NASA's IXPE telescope resumes data transmission after brief interruption

NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) experienced a temporary disruption in telemetry data transmission on Saturday, June 24. Despite being operational in pointing mode, the mission team was unable to receive science or engineering data from the spacecraft.

However, after initiating a spacecraft reset on Monday, June 26, the team placed IXPE into a planned safe mode, following which the telescope started transmitting valid telemetry data.

In the coming days, the team will work towards returning IXPE to its normal operations while investigating the root cause of the telemetry data anomaly.

IXPE, launched in 2021, is a space observatory designed specifically to investigate the polarization of X-rays emitted by various celestial objects. By studying X-ray polarization from different types of celestial objects, IXPE seeks to unlock valuable insights into the fundamental properties of these enigmatic entities.

The mission is an international collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency.