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Astronomical observations in the X-ray band are subject to atmosphericattenuation and have to be performed in the space. CubeSats offer a costeffective means for space-based X-ray astrophysics but allow only limited massand volume. In this article, we describe two successful CubeSat-based missions,HaloSat and PolarLight, both sensitive in the keV energy range. HaloSat was a6U CubeSat equipped with silicon drift detectors. It conducted an all-skysurvey of oxygen line emission and revealed the clumpy nature of thecircumgalactic medium surrounding the Milky Way. PolarLight is a dedicatedX-ray polarimeter performing photoelectron tracking using a gas pixel detectorin a 1U payload. It observed the brightest X-ray objects and helped constraintheir magnetic field or accretion geometry. On-orbit operation of both missionsfor multiple years demonstrates the capability of CubeSats as an effectiveastronomical platforms. The rapid time scales for development and constructionof the missions makes them particularly attractive for student training.

The HaloSat and PolarLight CubeSat Missions for X-ray Astrophysics