Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of five features introducing members of the IXPE team. The features will run weekly through Dec. 8.
By Jim Cawley
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
The Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), NASA’s first mission dedicated to measuring X-ray polarization, is targeted for launch on Dec. 9, 2021, at 1 a.m. EST, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida. IXPE will study changes in the polarization of X-ray light through some of the universe’s most extreme sources – including black holes, dead stars known as pulsars, and more – to help astronomers better understand these exotic cosmic phenomena.
Meet one of the key members of the launch team:
Name: Dimitrios Mitsakos
Official title: Launch Services Program (LSP) Power Systems Engineer
Job responsibilities: I review hardware acceptance documentation, process launch vehicle batteries, and ensure safe and reliable power and electrical systems for missions. I also review flight data for any crossover fleet concerns.
For IXPE, I reviewed the acceptance testing and hardware acceptance data for the batteries and electrical hardware on the Falcon 9 launch vehicle. I researched previous missions, including NASA’s SpaceX Crew-3 and Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) vehicle data for any cross-mission fleet concerns that could impact IXPE. I support all assigned IXPE vehicle testing.
Time working for NASA: I have worked at Kennedy for 20 years, including 4.5 years for LSP.
Degrees earned: Bachelor of Science in physics from Florida Institute of Technology
Hometown: I grew up in El Paso, Texas, and now live in Port St. John, Fla.
Family: Wife, Christina, and daughters, Mia, and Marissa.
Hobbies: I enjoy fishing grilling, and spending time with family.
Meet Jessica Curry:
- Click here to meet Contracting Officer Representative/Program Integration Manager Jessica Curry