Falcon 9 Block 5 | X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE)

The Astrophysics flight Falcon 9 Block 5 | X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) departed Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA atop a Falcon 9, bound for LEO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
SpaceX
Mission type
Astrophysics
Rocket
Falcon 9
Launch site
Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA
Launch pad
Launch Complex 39A
Payload
—
Target orbit
LEO
Falcon 9 Block 5 | X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2021-12-09T06:00:00.000Z
    Liftoff
    Falcon 9 roars off the pad at Kennedy Space Center, FL, USA.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in LEO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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