The first stage of the rocket, after its fifth launch into space, again landed successfully on one of SpaceX’s two floating landing pads called Just Read the Instructions.
Meanwhile, the second stage brought the IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) observatory into a designated orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers. The success of the start of the mission was confirmed by the smooth development of the solar panels and the reception of the first signals by the control center.
A device that looks into a black hole
At the IXPE observatory, astronomers will gain a new tool for exploring the mysteries of space. The refrigerator-sized apparatus is equipped with three identical telescopes that can study the polarization of light coming from various cosmic high-energy sources, such as black holes and neutron stars, among others. This will allow scientists to study the structure and mechanisms that power these types of mysterious cosmic objects.
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