The HaloSat and PolarLight CubeSat Missions for X-ray Astrophysics
Hua Feng, Philip Kaaret

TL;DR
HaloSat and PolarLight demonstrate that small CubeSats can effectively perform advanced X-ray astrophysics, including sky surveys and polarization measurements, proving their value as cost-effective space observatories.
Contribution
This paper presents two successful CubeSat missions, HaloSat and PolarLight, showcasing their capabilities in X-ray astronomy within limited size and mass constraints.
Findings
HaloSat conducted an all-sky survey of oxygen line emission.
PolarLight performed X-ray polarization measurements of bright sources.
Both missions operated successfully for multiple years, validating CubeSats as effective astrophysical platforms.
Abstract
Astronomical observations in the X-ray band are subject to atmospheric attenuation and have to be performed in the space. CubeSats offer a cost effective means for space-based X-ray astrophysics but allow only limited mass and volume. In this article, we describe two successful CubeSat-based missions, HaloSat and PolarLight, both sensitive in the keV energy range. HaloSat was a 6U CubeSat equipped with silicon drift detectors. It conducted an all-sky survey of oxygen line emission and revealed the clumpy nature of the circumgalactic medium surrounding the Milky Way. PolarLight is a dedicated X-ray polarimeter performing photoelectron tracking using a gas pixel detector in a 1U payload. It observed the brightest X-ray objects and helped constrain their magnetic field or accretion geometry. On-orbit operation of both missions for multiple years demonstrates the capability of CubeSats as…
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Taxonomy
TopicsParticle Detector Development and Performance · Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena · Dark Matter and Cosmic Phenomena
