NASA, SpaceX launch IXPE x-ray observatory atop Falcon 9

NASA and SpaceX have launched the revolutionary Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) space observatory from LC-39A at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on Thursday morning atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 1:00 a.m. EST (06:00 UTC). IXPE is a 325 kg, three-telescope polarized x-ray observatory. A joint venture between NASA and the Italian Space Agency, IXPE will help the astronomical community better understand the physics behind — and formation of — black holes, neutron stars, supernova remnants, magnetars, and pulsars by specifically looking at polarized x-rays surrounding the objects. More

(Source: NASASpaceFlight.com - Dec 10)