The Advanced X-Ray Imaging Satellite (AXIS)

The Advanced X-Ray Imaging Satellite (AXIS) is a next-generation, high-spatial-resolution X-ray observatory designed to transform our understanding of the universe.

Artist's conception of the AXIS Observatory

The Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite (AXIS) is a NASA Explorer mission concept designed to bring X-ray astronomy back to the forefront of modern mainstream astrophysics, working alongside other major facilities of the 2030s (e.g., JWST, Roman, Rubin, ngVLA, LISA) to address some of the most important questions identified by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey. With a single instrument design, AXIS will offer superb arcsecond-resolution and high-sensitivity imaging in the 0.3–10 keV band. AXIS is an excellent facility for transient science, with a two-hour response time to alerts and onboard rapid transient detection. In 2024, NASA selected AXIS for Phase A study.

At KIPAC, we are contributing to the AXIS mission on a number of levels. 

Related Research Areas

Extreme Astrophysics

We at KIPAC have an active Compact Object Group Meeting (COG) which meets Tuesdays to discuss progress in extreme astrophysics.

Cosmic Ecosystems

Cosmologists at KIPAC study the structure of the Universe from nearby galaxies and their satellites to the distribution of galaxies on the largest scales across the Universe.

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