Space & Earth Science
NORAD ID: 33401
Int'l Code: 2008-051A
Perigee: 5,485.4 km
Apogee: 307,144.9 km
Inclination: 32.4°
Period: 10,883.9 min
Semi major axis: 162,686.1 km
Launch date: October 19, 2008
Source: United States (US)
Comments: 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.
Two Line Element Set (TLE):
1 33401U 08051A 10033.58333333 -.00005260 00000-0 10000-3 0 239
2 33401 032.3720 003.7200 9271210 137.0270 359.8640 00.13230528 654
More details about IBEX