Small Satellite Platform Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry (IXPE) Mission Concept and Implementation

The goal of the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) Mission is to expand understanding of high-energy astrophysical processes and sources, in support of NASA’s first science objective in Astrophysics: “Discover how the universe works.” Polarization uniquely probes physical anisotropies—ordered magnetic fields, aspheric matter distributions, or general relativistic coupling to black-hole spin—that are not otherwise measurable. The IXPE Observatory consists of spacecraft and payload modules built up in parallel to form the Observatory during system integration and test. The payload includes three polarization sensitive, x-ray detector arrays paired with three x-ray mirror module assemblies (MMA). A deployable boom provides the correct separation (focal length) between the detector units and MMAs. This paper summarizes the IXPE mission science objectives and instrument concept, describes the Observatory implementation concept and overviews mission operations. Additional information can be found at: https://wwwastro.msfc.nasa.gov/ixpe