• By Kamal Kumar
  • Mon, 01 Jan 2024 09:33 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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XPoSat By ISRO:  Welcoming the new year in style, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched India's first X-Ray Polarimeter space probe - XPoSat - on the first day of 2024 to study the brightest astronomical phenomena such as black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae. The XPoSat satellite was launched at 9:10 am from the Sriharikota launch pad of ISRO.

What makes XPoSat special?

1. The first Indian X-ray polarimetry mission will study the X-rays emitting from complex astronomical phenomena with two payloads, POLIX and XSPECT, to be deployed in low earth orbit.

2. POLIX aims to study 50 brightest known sources in space, including pulsars, black hole X-ray binaries, active galactic nuclei, neutron stars, & non-thermal supernova remnants, over XPoSat's planned 5-year mission.

3. XSPECT, another XPoSat payload, will provide spectroscopic information in the 0.8-15 keV range, allowing long-term monitoring of spectral changes in soft X-rays.

4. Emission mechanisms from black holes, neutron stars, and other sources remain challenging for astronomers, despite abundant information from space observatories.

5. POLIX and XSPECT aim to break theoretical model degeneracy in understanding emission processes, adding dimensions with polarisation measurements and timing information.

6. Polarimetry offers a diagnostic tool for understanding emission processes by introducing the degree and angle of polarization, enhancing astronomers' capabilities.

7. The XPoSat mission by the Indian science community emphasises polarimetric observations and spectroscopic measurements to advance research on astronomical emission processes.

8. PSLV-C58, dubbed as India's space horse is set to take the satellite in the prescribed orbit.

9. POLIX, developed by Ramam Research Institute in collaboration with U R Rao Satellite Centre, is the first dedicated medium X-ray polarimeter payload.

10. XSPECT, equipped with Swept Charge Devices, will effectively monitor various sources, including X-ray pulsars, blackhole binaries, AGNs, and Magnetars.

Where to watch the live launch?

The live launch can be viewed on the official website of ISRO or the official YouTube channel of ISRO, the coveted Indian space agency. The live streaming will also be aired on India's public broadcaster DD National.