India News | ISRO Begins New Year with Another Success, XPoSat Precisely Placed into Intended Orbit
New Delhi [India], January 1: India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), achieved yet another milestone as the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) was successfully launched. The satellite, designed to study X-ray emissions from celestial sources, was placed precisely into its intended orbit of 650 km with a 6-degree inclination.
ISRO chief S Somanath, addressing the team of scientists after the launch, announced that the lift-off was normal and expressed satisfaction with the performance of the PSLV-C58 vehicle. He also mentioned that the orbit achieved is excellent, with a deviation of only 3 kms from the targeted orbit and an inclination of 0.01 degree.
The XPoSat mission aims to provide insights into space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emissions from various celestial sources. It will measure the polarisation of X-rays in the energy band of 8-30keV and carry out long-term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band of 0.8-15keV. The satellite’s onboard payloads, including POLIX and XSPECT, will enable polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources.
The emission mechanism from astronomical sources such as black holes, neutron stars, and pulsar wind nebulae remains a challenge for astronomers. The XPoSat mission will contribute to a deeper understanding of these complex physical processes by providing valuable data on the degree and angle of polarisation.
ISRO’s recent successes, including the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon’s south pole and the launch of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission, have boosted India’s position in the global space economy. These achievements have also sparked enthusiasm in the private space sector within the country.
Looking ahead, India has ambitious plans, including the Gaganyaan Mission in 2024, the establishment of the ‘Bharatiya Antariksha Station’ by 2035, and sending the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040.
ISRO’s continuous efforts to push the boundaries of space exploration have not only brought pride to the nation but have also opened new avenues for scientific research and technological advancements. With each successful mission, India solidifies its position as a prominent player in the global space arena.
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