In a significant milestone, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved success on January 1, 2024, by launching Bharat’s inaugural X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, known as XPoSat. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58) rocket in its 60th mission. The PSLV-C58 rocket, lifting off at 9:10 am, flawlessly deployed the XPoSat into Low Earth Orbit.
Pioneering Space Research with XPoSat
XPoSat is ISRO’s first dedicated scientific satellite designed for space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emissions from celestial sources. This mission marks a significant advancement in Bharat’s space capabilities, focusing on studying the polarisation of X-rays in the energy band of 8-30 keV from approximately 50 potential cosmic sources.
Scientific Objectives and Payloads
The primary goal of the PSLV-C58 mission is to measure the polarisation of X-rays, providing insights into the radiation mechanism and geometry of celestial objects such as black holes. The XPoSat payload includes POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-Rays), developed by Raman Research Institute, and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), built by the U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.
Global Context and Significance
While the United States’ NASA conducted a similar study in December 2021, called the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer mission, India’s XPoSat mission adds substantial value to the scientific community. The study focuses on remnants of supernova explosions, particle streams emitted by black holes, and other cosmic events.
The successful launch of XPoSat is a gift from ISRO to the world. This achievement follows the success of the Gaganyaan Test Vehicle D1 mission in October. In 2023, Bharat achieved remarkable milestones, including the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s south pole and the launch of Aditya-L1, Bharat’s first solar mission.
Chandrayaan-3 Success and Future Endeavors
Chandrayaan-3, Bharat’s first successful lunar landing mission, aimed to demonstrate a soft landing near the lunar south polar region. The Vikram Lander made a historic touchdown on the Moon on August 23, followed by the deployment of the Pragyan rover to survey the uncharted lunar south pole. Looking ahead, Bharat has ambitious plans, including the Gaganyaan Mission, setting up the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035, and sending the first Bharat to the Moon by 2040.
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