On 3/25/24, Astrophysics Branch scientist, Stephen Bongiorno, presented at the Rocket Experiment Demonstration of a Soft X-ray (REDSoX) Polarimeter preliminary design review at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). REDSoX is a sounding rocket instrument, led by MIT, that plans to demonstrate a novel soft X-ray polarimeter by observing an active galactic nuclei blazar and constraining models of jet turbulence. MSFC is responsible for the design, fabrication, and test of the REDSoX primary mirror, a five-shell, grazing-incidence X-ray optic with a diameter of 444 mm. This mirror module will be the largest ever produced by MSFC. Mandrel polishing is currently in progress, MMA delivery is planned for 2/2026, and launch is planned for 8/2027.
