NICER in Space
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- Produced by:
- Clare Skelly
- View full credits
Several cameras on the International Space Station (ISS) have eyes on NICER. Since arriving to the space station on June 5 – aboard SpaceX’s eleventh cargo resupply mission – NICER underwent robotic installation on ExPRESS Logistics Carrier 2, initial deployment, precise point tests and more. This video shows segments of NICER’s time in space. Scientists and engineers will continue to watch NICER, using these cameras, throughout the mission’s science operations.
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Credits
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center
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Producer
- Clare Skelly (NASA/GSFC) [Lead]
Missions
This visualization is related to the following missions:Related pages
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ID: 12630 Produced Video
NICER Mission Overview
Read moreThe Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) payload, destined for the exterior of the space station, will study the physics of neutron stars, providing new insight into their nature and behavior. These stars are called “pulsars” because of the unique way they emit light – in a beam similar to a lighthouse beacon. As the star spins, the light sweeps past us, making it appear as if the star is pulsing. Neutron stars emit X-ray radiation, enabling the NICER technology to observe and record information about their structure, dynamics and energetics. The payload also includes a technology demonstration called the Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology (SEXTANT) which will help researchers to develop a pulsar-based space navigation system. Pulsar navigation could work similarly to GPS on Earth, providing precise position and time for spacecraft throughout the solar system.The 2-in-1 mission launched on June 3, 2017 aboard SpaceX's eleventh contracted cargo resupply mission with NASA to the International Space Station. The payload arrived at the space station in the Dragon spacecraft, along with other cargo, on June 5, 2017. ||
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ID: 12605 Produced Video
What is a Neutron Star?
Read moreHere's just some of what we already know about neutron stars. An upcoming NASA mission will further investigate these unusual objects from the International Space Station. The Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer mission, or NICER, will study the extraordinary environments — strong gravity, ultra-dense matter, and the most powerful magnetic fields in the universe — embodied by neutron stars. NICER is a two-in-one mission. The embedded Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation Technology, or SEXTANT, demonstration will use NICER data to validate, for the first time in space, pulsar-based navigation.NICER is planned for launch aboard the SpaceX CRS-11, currently scheduled for June 1, 2017. Learn more about the mission at nasa.gov/nicer. ||
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ID: 20266 Animation
NICER Payload Animations
Read moreAnimated video and stills of the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) payload. || Wide angle view and zoom in of the NICER payload onboard the International Space Station. || High resolution (wide angle) animated still image of the NICER payload aboard the International Space Station. || Close up "beauty pass" of the NICER payload onboard the International Space Station. || High resolution (close up) animated still images of the NICER payload aboard the International Space Station. ||
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