HEX-P is a probe-class mission concept that combines the power of high angular resolution with broad bandpass coverage to provide the necessary leap in capabilities to address the important astrophysical questions of the next decade. HEX-P achieves its breakthrough performance by combining technologies developed by experienced partners and international collaborations. HEX-P will be launched into L1 for a high observing efficiency, and to meet the science goals the payload consists of a suite of three co-aligned X-ray telescopes designed to cover the 0.2 - 80 keV bandpass where accretion is at its peak. The High Energy Telescope (HET) has an effective bandpass of 2-80 keV, and the Low Energy Telescope (LET) an effective bandpass of 0.2-20 keV. The combination of bandpass and high observing efficiency delivers a powerful General Observer platform for a broad science that services a wide community base. The baseline mission is 5 years, with 30% of t
We have, at last, an observatory dedicated to X-ray polarimetry that has been operational since December 9th, 2021. The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA SMEX mission, in partnership with ASI, based on three X-ray telescopes, each equipped with a polarization-sensitive detector in the focus. An extending boom was deployed in orbit, positioning the detectors at the optimal distance from the optics, which have a 4-meter focal length. The spacecraft is three-axis stabilized, providing power, attitude determination and control, transmission, and commanding capabilities.
After two and a half years of observation, IXPE has detected positive polarization from nearly all classes of celestial sources that emit X-rays. In this report, we describe the IXPE mission, detailing the performance of the scientific instrumentation after 2.5 years of operation. We also present the main astrophysical results and a few examples of scientific performance during flight.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.