The Digital Press

The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission has opened a new era in studying cosmic X-ray polarization, following fifty years since the first measurements. Extensive calibration efforts confirmed that combining separately calibrated X-ray optics and detectors accurately predicts the full telescope's performance.

Why it matters: This approach saves time and costs by avoiding complex end-to-end calibrations for space missions.

The big picture: IXPE’s success enables precise X-ray polarization studies using well-characterized instrument components.

Stunning stat: The mirror module does not affect detector polarization response within required calibration accuracy.

Quick takeaway: Separate calibrations of optics and detectors can be fully combined to predict flight telescope performance.