ISRO launches ‘Gaganyaan Year’ with XPoSat, India’s breakthrough in deep space exploration

PSLV-C58 successfully launches X-ray polarimeter satellite, tracking cosmic X-rays and unveiling secrets of black holes and neutron stars

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has marked a triumphant beginning to the “Gaganyaan year” with the successful launch of its first-ever X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat). This groundbreaking mission marks a giant leap for Indian astronomy, as XPoSat prepares to unveil the secrets of the cosmos, focusing its gaze on enigmatic objects like black holes and neutron stars.

Liftoff from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on January 1, 2024, ISRO’s workhorse PSLV-C58 rocket flawlessly placed XPoSat into a designated 650-kilometer circular orbit after a 21-minute journey. This remarkable feat positions India as only the second nation, following NASA’s 2021 Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), to embark on such a groundbreaking mission.

XPoSat’s sophisticated dual-payload system, comprising the Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT) instruments, both developed by prestigious institutions in Bengaluru, will enable scientists to delve deeper into the mysteries of X-ray polarization. The phenomenon in which X-rays oscillate in a particular direction is pivotal in revealing insights into the structure and behaviour of high-energy celestial objects such as black holes and neutron stars.

“On 1st January 2024, yet another successful mission of the PSLV has been accomplished,” declared ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, expressing elation at the mission’s flawless execution. He further highlighted the exceptional precision achieved, with a mere 3-kilometer deviation from the targeted orbit and an inclination of only 0.001 degrees. This remarkable accuracy underscores the dedication and expertise of the ISRO team.

XPoSat marks a significant milestone for India’s space exploration endeavours, becoming the nation’s third space-based observatory. It joins the ranks of the recently launched Aditya-L1 solar mission and the 2015 AstroSat, further solidifying India’s position as a leading force in astronomical research.

As India embarks on the “Gaganyaan year,” this mission serves as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and unravelling the mysteries that lie beyond our planet.