The IXPE X-ray Observatory launched by NASA last week has successfully unfolded its folded parts
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After launching into space last Thursday, NASA’s latest X-ray observatory successfully completed the extension of the “origami” component on Wednesday. It is reported that the imaging X-ray polarization detector (IXPE for short) aims to explore some of the most dynamic and mysterious regions in the universe in a completely new way. NASA explained that IXPE allows us to better understand neutron stars, pulsing wind nebulae, stars and supermassive black holes and other celestial bodies mainly through the polarization state of light.
The IXPE observatory is equipped with three sets of the same telescope, and each set has a mirror assembly + polarization sensitive detector. To focus the X-rays, IXPE also requires approximately 13 feet (4 meters) of lenses.
Because it was too large to fit into the payload compartment (fairing) on the top of the rocket, the IXPE team thought of drawing on the traditional technique of origami to accommodate the relevant components in a tank of only 12 inches (0.3 meters).
After successfully entering orbit, NASA sent instructions to IXPE to stretch out in space. However, because of the violent long journey, the ground control center is still a little worried about the state of the moving parts.
The good news is that in a blog post updated on Thursday, NASA announced that IXPE had successfully unfolded the origami parts on December 15th (this Wednesday).
Experts are currently focusing on tuning this space X-ray telescope in order to make comprehensive preparations for the first subsequent scientific exploration mission.
