The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to embark on an ambitious mission in 2024 with the launch of the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) to delve into the mysteries of intense polarisation of X-ray sources in space. Following the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, ISRO is gearing up for another significant endeavor that will advance our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
The XPoSat mission is poised to mark a crucial leap in space exploration as it aims to unravel the workings of X-rays in the enigmatic realm of space. With a slated launch on January 1, 2024, using ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at 9.10 am, the satellite will delve into the 50 brightest known sources in space, including pulsars, black hole X-ray binaries, active galactic nuclei, neutron stars, and non-thermal supernova remnants.
This pioneering mission will position India at the forefront of space-based polarimetry, following in the footsteps of NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) launched in 2021. By studying the intense polarization of X-ray sources, the XPoSat mission endeavors to shed light on hitherto unexplored aspects of major cosmic events, promising a wealth of new information that could redefine our understanding of the universe.
The XPoSat satellite will be positioned in a circular low Earth orbit of 500–700 km, geared for at least a five-year lifespan. Through this prolonged period, it is anticipated to provide astronomers with invaluable data and insights that could potentially redefine our understanding of the cosmos.
Furthermore, ISRO’s 2024 space exploration calendar is brimming with exciting missions, promising an ambitious and eventful year for the Indian space agency. From NISAR to Mangalyaan 2, ISRO’s planned missions hold the promise of significantly shaping our understanding of space and the universe.
As the countdown to 2024 commences, all eyes are on ISRO and its upcoming Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission, carrying the groundbreaking XPoSat, set to elevate India’s presence in the realm of space exploration and scientific discovery.
