IBEX

IBEX is classified as:

Space & Earth Science

NORAD ID: 33401

Int'l Code: 2008-051A

Launch date: October 19, 2008
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: Pegasus launched from Western Range Air Space (WRAS)

IBEX, The Interstellar Boundary Explorer, will observe material from the outer solar system called energetic neutral atoms. These atoms are created by a process called charge exchange, in which charged particles are neutralized by nearby atoms to form the energetic neutral atoms. IBEX data will produce an all-sky map of the heliopause every six months. Officials expect to create up to four maps during the mission. The mission requires that the spacecraft fly outside of the influence of Earth's magnetic field to capture energetic particles from the edge of the solar system.