Article:
India is taking another giant leap in space exploration with the upcoming launch of its first dedicated polarimetry mission, the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat). This breakthrough satellite is set to be launched on Monday, aiming to enhance our understanding of bright astronomical X-ray sources and their intricate dynamics in extreme conditions.
The XPoSat is scheduled to be launched on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket at 9.10 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission marks India’s third venture into exploring the universe in less than a year, following the successful mission to the Moon earlier this year.
The satellite is equipped with cutting-edge scientific payloads designed for low-earth orbit exploration, including the primary instrument, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), which 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 significantly contribute to our understanding of X-ray emissions from celestial bodies.
In addition to POLIX, the XPoSat carries XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), both playing critical roles in analyzing X-ray emissions from celestial sources, especially black holes and neutron stars. This advanced astronomy observatory will provide invaluable insights into these cosmic phenomena, furthering our understanding of the universe and its enduring enigmas.
ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle will execute a mission to launch the XPoSat into an Eastward low inclination orbit, with the PS4 stage being re-started twice to reduce the orbit into a 350 km circular orbit, setting the stage for the satellite to conduct its research in 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform (OP) experiments.
The XPoSat, also known as the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, will be a testament to India’s increasing prowess in space exploration, as it joins the ranks of a select few countries steering advanced astronomy observatories towards studying black holes and neutron stars. With this launch, India aims to expand its contributions to the field of X-ray astronomy and deepen its understanding of celestial phenomena that continue to intrigue and mystify scientists and space enthusiasts worldwide.
In conclusion, India’s upcoming launch of the XPoSat is a significant milestone in its space exploration endeavors, underlining the nation’s commitment to advancing the frontiers of X-ray astronomy and unlocking the mysteries of the universe. This groundbreaking mission is poised to propel India into a prominent position in the realm of space-based polarisation measurements, providing unprecedented insights into the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources and contributing to our ever-growing knowledge of the cosmos.
