Objectives and Applications
IBEX, The Interstellar Boundary Explorer, will observe material from the outer solar system called energetic neutral atoms. These atoms are created by a process called charge exchange, in which charged particles are neutralized by nearby atoms to form the energetic neutral atoms. IBEX data will produce an all-sky map of the heliopause every six months. Officials expect to create up to four maps during the mission. The mission requires that the spacecraft fly outside of the influence of Earth's magnetic field to capture energetic particles from the edge of the solar system.
Full Name
Interstellar Boundary Explorer
Mission Status
Operational (extended)
Mission Agencies
Launch Date
19 Oct 2008
Mission Links
EOL Date
Oct 2028
Orbit Type
Highly elliptical
Orbit Period
Orbit Sense
Orbit Inclination
11 deg
Orbit Altitude
200 km
Orbit Longitude
NORAD Catalog #
International Designator
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