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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    Title :

    In-orbit operation and performance of the CubeSat Soft X-ray polarimeter PolarLight


    Contributors:
    Li, Hong (author) / Long, Xiangyun (author) / Feng, Hua (author) / Wu, Qiong (author) / Huang, Jiahui (author) / Jiang, Weichun (author) / Minuti, Massimo (author) / Yang, Dongxin (author) / Citraro, Saverio (author) / Nasimi, Hikmat (author)

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 67 , 1 ; 708-714


    Publication date :

    2020-09-01


    Size :

    7 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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