IXPE Mirror Module Assemblies

[摘要] Expected to launch in 2021 Spring, the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) is a NASA Astrophysics Small Explorer Mission with significant contributions from the Italian space agency (ASI). The IXPE observatory features three identical x-ray telescopes, each comprised of a 4-m-focal-length mirror module assembly (MMA, provided by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center) that focuses x rays onto a polarization-sensitive, imaging detector (contributed by ASI-funded institutions). This paper summarizes the MMA’s design, fabrication, alignment and assembly, expected performance, and calibration plans.

[发布日期] 2019-08-12

[学科分类] 空间科学

[关键词] ALIGNMENT;CALIBRATING;CONVERGENCE;DESIGN ANALYSIS;ELECTROFORMING;ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS;HEAT SHIELDING;MECHANICAL ENGINEERING;MIRRORS;NICKEL ALLOYS;OPTICAL EQUIPMENT;RAY TRACING;TEMPERATURE CONTROL;TEST FACILITIES;VACUUM TESTS;X RAYS