Description
IXPE is a NASA SMEX mission devoted to the measurement of the X-ray polarisation of Astrophysical sources and was launched on 9 December 2021. INAF, INFN and ASI contributed the focal plane Instrument of IXPE, NASA MSFC managed the mission and manufactured the telescopes, Ball Aerospace is the satellite prime contractor. IXPE was in Phase D when the COVID pandemic started in spring 2020, the borders shut and international travelling stopped. We had to replan the satellite AIV, environmental tests and telescope calibration due to the restrictions in place. As a solution, we assembled working teams composed of U.S. and Italian personnel to adapt the test procedures to the new condition and to train the NASA and Ball Aerospace personnel to conduct the tests on-site. Similarly, we organised on-line courses and rehearsals to train the satellite operators before launch. In this poster we describe the operative solutions found to overcome the COVID restrictions and successfully complete the activities described above, and the lessons learned from this experience.
