In-orbit operation and performance of the CubeSat Soft X-ray polarimeter PolarLight. Issue 1 (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Hong; Long, Xiangyun; Feng, Hua; Wu, Qiong; Huang, Jiahui; Jiang, Weichun; Minuti, Massimo; Yang, Dongxin; Citraro, Saverio; Nasimi, Hikmat; Yu, Jiandong; Jin, Ge; Zeng, Ming; An, Peng; Baldini, Luca; Bellazzini, Ronaldo; Brez, Alessandro; Latronico, Luca; Sgrò, Carmelo; Spandre, Gloria; Pinchera, Michele; Muleri, Fabio; Soffitta, Paolo; Costa, Enrico
• Is Part Of: Advances in space research. Volume 67:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 708
• Page End: 714
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: PolarLight -- Gas pixel detector -- Astronomy -- X-ray -- Polarimetry -- CubeSat; Space sciences -- Periodicals; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 500.505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asr.2020.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0273-1177

Abstract

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.