The Indian Space Research Organisation on Monday rang in the New Year by successfully launching XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions. It will also carry a Fuel Cell Power System (FCPS), specially designed to test the power source for the upcoming Bharatiya Space Station. The experiment was taken aboard into space through the PSLV-C58 MISSION, carrying the XPoSat Observatory.
The XPoSat mission has been developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a part of ISRO. It involves innovative technology aimed at leading the way in developing a sustainable and effective power supply for space exploration.
Unlike traditional power systems, these innovative fuel cells are expected to be a game changer for longer-duration space missions. They provide the benefit of transforming chemical energy from fuels into electricity via electrochemical reactions, thereby delivering an extended source of electrical energy.
About The Mission
After 21 minutes of being launched into space, the PSLV rocket deployed the satellite into the 650 km Low Earth Orbit. Later on, the scientists would place the satellite into a much lower orbit of 350 km. After this, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment would be initiated.
However, ISRO stated that comprehending the emission mechanism of diverse astronomical sources like black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae, etc., would pose a significant challenge due to the intricate nature of the physical processes. With a life of about five years, ISRO’s mission is believed to bring significant benefits to the astronomy community worldwide.
A similar sort of mission has also been conducted by the US-based National Aeronautics Space Agency (NASA), called the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer, in December 2021. The NASA mission focused on exploring the remnants of supernova explosions, particle streams emitted by black holes, and other cosmic phenomena.
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