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A SpaceX rocket lifts off at the Kennedy Space Centre. PA
Discovery
Nasa’s newest X-ray telescope rockets into orbit
Scientists said the observatory will unveil the most dramatic and extreme parts of the universe as never before.
NASA’S NEWEST X-RAY observatory has rocketed into orbit in a bid to shed light on exploded stars, black holes and other violent high-energy events unfolding across the universe.
SpaceX launched the spacecraft on its mission from the Kennedy Space Centre.
It is called IXPE, short for Imaging X-ray Polarisation Explorer.
Scientists said the observatory – actually three telescopes in one – will unveil the most dramatic and extreme parts of the universe as never before.
“IXPE is going to open a new window on the X-ray sky,” said Brian Ramsey, Nasa’s deputy principal scientist. Operations should begin next month.
Nasa is partnering with the Italian Space Agency on the project.
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