In-orbit Operation and Performance of the CubeSat Soft X-ray Polarimeter PolarLight
Hong Li, Xiangyun Long, Hua Feng, Qiong Wu, Jiahui Huang, Weichun, Jiang, Massimo Minuti, Dongxin Yang, Saverio Citraro, Hikmat Nasimi, Jiandong, Yu, Ge Jin, Ming Zeng, Peng An, Luca Baldini, Ronaldo Bellazzini, Alessandro, Brez, Luca Latronico, Carmelo Sgro, Gloria Spandre
TL;DR
PolarLight is a CubeSat-based soft X-ray polarimeter that successfully operated in low-Earth orbit, demonstrating its potential for cost-effective space astronomy, scientific observations, and educational training.
Contribution
This paper reports the first in-orbit operation, calibration, and performance of PolarLight, showcasing CubeSats as viable platforms for space X-ray polarimetry and astronomy.
Findings
Successful in-orbit operation and calibration of PolarLight
Demonstrated scientific observations of Crab nebula and Sco X-1
Showcased CubeSat's role in space astronomy and education
Abstract
PolarLight is a compact soft X-ray polarimeter onboard a CubeSat, which was launched into a low-Earth orbit on October 29, 2018. In March 2019, PolarLight started full operation, and since then, regular observations with the Crab nebula, Sco X-1, and background regions have been conducted. Here we report the operation, calibration, and performance of PolarLight in the orbit. Based on these, we discuss how one can run a low-cost, shared CubeSat for space astronomy, and how CubeSats can play a role in modern space astronomy for technical demonstration, science observations, and student training.
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