The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently marked a momentous milestone as it successfully launched its first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on January 1, 2024. The XPoSat, aimed at studying X-ray polarisation and its cosmic sources, was launched by ISRO’s notable PSLV-C58 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The satellite was meticulously placed in a circular orbit of 650 km after a 21-minute flight.
This historic mission makes XPoSat the world’s second X-ray polarimetry mission following NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), which was launched in 2021. Comprising two vital payloads, Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT), the XPoSat is set to delve into the study of black holes and neutron stars. These payloads have been developed by the esteemed Raman Research Institute and UR Rao Satellite Centre, both located in Bengaluru, India.
In light of ISRO’s significant achievements in 2023, including successfully landing a spacecraft on the Moon and launching a mission to study the Sun, ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced ambitious plans for the upcoming year. India’s space agency is geared up to surpass its previous records with at least 12 planned launches for 2024. The chairman added that the number of missions may even rise, contingent upon the agency’s capacity to produce hardware and conclude testing.
Amidst the upcoming missions, ISRO’s groundbreaking feats in 2023 deserve recognition. The agency embarked on a landmark year by executing seven missions, notably landing Chandrayaan-3 close to the lunar south pole and launching India’s first sun observatory, the Aditya-L1. The latter is anticipated to reach Lagrange Point 1 on January 6, marking another momentous episode in India’s space exploration journey.
Moreover, ISRO also achieved significant milestones in technology demonstrations, pivotal to future missions, including those related to the Gaganyaan spacecraft and a reusable launch vehicle. The agency’s ongoing efforts continue to pave the way for India’s prowess in space exploration and research.
The successful launch of the XPoSat and ISRO’s ambitious plans for 2024 underscore India’s remarkable strides in space exploration and affirm its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and cosmic exploration. With ISRO’s pioneering efforts, India is poised to bolster its position as a leading force in space research and innovation on the global stage.
