NASA.
The X-ray polarimetry explorer satellite was launched by a rocket. The IXPE is the first satellite that can measure the X-rays that come from black holes.
Three telescopes on the fridge-sized satellite can measure the direction, arrival time, energy, and polarization of light. NASA can give us more insight into how mysterious objects work when the data from all those telescopes is combined. They're hoping that it will give them a better idea of the structure of the Crab Nebula, a remnant of a dying star that is spinning rapidly in its center.
The IXPE will help scientists gain more insight and broaden their knowledge on the regions of space we still barely know. It could give clues on why they spin and how they use materials from the universe. Martin Weisskopf, the mission's principal investigator, said during a briefing thatIXPE will help us test and refine our current theories of how the universe works. We might discover more exciting theories about these objects than we have thought.
The rocket used for this launch was from a previous mission. The company's first stage will land on the "Just Read the Instructions" ship after ferrying IXPE to space.
Liftoff!
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December 9, 2021.
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