The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its first dedicated satellite mission, the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), on the first day of 2024. The satellite will be launched on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C58) rocket at 9:10 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission marks a significant milestone for India’s space program and will help the country study black holes and other celestial phenomena.
Key Features of XPoSat
XPoSat aims to unravel the complexities of bright astronomical X-ray sources by probing their intricate dynamics in extreme conditions.
The satellite carries two cutting-edge scientific payloads designed for low-earth orbit exploration:
POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): This instrument is tasked with measuring polarimetry parameters such as the degree and angle of polarization. Operating in the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons of astronomical origin, POLIX is poised to contribute significantly to our understanding of X-ray emissions from celestial sources.
XSPECT: This payload will work in tandem with POLIX to provide polarimetric observations and spectroscopic measurements, helping researchers overcome the challenges posed by the complex physical processes governing the XPoSat mission.
Benefits of XPoSat
The XPoSat mission is expected to break through the limitations of current theoretical models by combining polarimetric observations and spectroscopic measurements. By doing so, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries surrounding astronomical emissions. This mission is also expected to provide valuable data for other applications, such as measuring Earth’s changing ecosystems, dynamic surfaces, and ice masses.
With the successful launch of XPoSat, India will have a strong presence in space research, showcasing its capabilities in advanced scientific missions.