The United States has launched the IXPE X-ray telescope (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer). The cost of the mission is estimated at more than 180 million dollars.
The launch of the Falcon 9 rocket was carried out at the Kennedy Space Center (Florida). The carrier will launch the IXPE X-ray observatory into orbit.
The telescope will study various astronomical objects, in particular quasars, pulsars and black holes. The data obtained will allow researchers to better understand the structure of the universe.
IXPE is a relatively small observatory with a starting mass of 325 kilograms. It is equipped with three identical telescopes. Developer - Ball Aerospace & Technologies.
The mission was announced on January 3, 2017. They wanted to launch earlier, but the plans were prevented by the Covid-19 pandemic, which, among other things, caused delays in the supply of Italian sensors.
It is assumed that the price of the mission will be $ 188 million with a launch cost of about 50 million.
Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer
Image Source: NASA
Recall that on December 22, the launch of an extremely important space telescope for science is due to take place "James Webb." You can see the start on our website.