ISRO rings in 2024 with launch of XPoSat, a dedicated scientific satellite to study black holes

India's space agency, ISRO, is set to commence the new year with the launch of its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, XPoSat, aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket. Scheduled for liftoff on January 1, the PSLV-C58 rocket, in its 60th mission, will carry the primary payload XPoSat and 10 other satellites to be deployed in low Earth orbits. This initiative follows the success of the Gaganyaan Test Vehicle D1 mission in October, and the 25-hour countdown has already begun for the lift-off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

The PSLV-C58 mission aims to launch XPoSat, a satellite equipped with POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-Rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), designed to measure polarimetry parameters. This scientific endeavor will focus on studying celestial objects like black holes, neutron stars, and active galactic nuclei, enhancing understanding in the field of X-Ray polarimetry.\

 The space-based study of X-Ray polarization holds international importance, and XPoSat is expected to contribute significantly to the astronomy community globally. The mission not only facilitates timing and spectroscopy-based observations but also lays the groundwork for future advancements in X-Ray polarimetry.

 XPoSat is poised to play a pivotal role in building expertise in X-Ray polarimetry in India, fostering a collaborative network within the astronomy community. The mission's insights have the potential to contribute substantially to the understanding of the physics of celestial objects.