The IBEX spacecraft uses sunlight as its power source. The solar panels are always pointed at the Sun as the spacecraft orbits the Earth. This is a close-up image of the solar panels. The red cap is covering one of IBEX's large thrusters. Image Credit: Orbital Sciences Corporation The IBEX spacecraft uses sunlight as its power source. The solar panels are always pointed at the Sun as the spacecraft orbits the Earth. This is a close-up image of the solar panels. The red cap is covering one of IBEX's large thrusters.