- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), India’s first entry into space X-ray polarisation experiments.
About XPoSat Mission
- XPoSat will operate in a Low Earth Orbit at a height of around 650 km and a low inclination of approximately 6 degrees.
- Dual Scientific Payloads: The satellite is outfitted with two payloads that allow for in-depth investigations of X-ray sources’ temporal, spectral, and polarisation features.
- Mission Objectives: The major goals of XPoSat are to measure X-ray polarisation in the 8-30 keV energy range and to undertake long-term investigations in the 0.8-15 keV region.
- Mission Lifespan: The satellite is scheduled to operate for around 5 years.
- Observation Strategy: To maximise efficiency, XPoSat observations will take place predominantly during the Earth’s eclipse phase.
Payloads on XPoSat
- The Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX), created by Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute (RRI) with ISRO participation, is designed to measure the degree and angle of polarisation in medium X-ray energy levels.
- Secondary Payload: XSPECT ISRO’s U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) designed the X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT) payload, which will collect spectroscopic data in the 0.8-15 keV range.
The Importance of XPoSat
- The direction of light waves is referred to as polarisation. Polarisation is also possible with X-rays, which are a kind of electromagnetic radiation.
- Its study from cosmic sources gives useful information on the physical conditions and processes that occur in extreme settings such as those found surrounding black holes, neutron stars, and supernova remnants.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/india-set-to-launch-its-first-x-ray-polarimeter-satellite-isro/article67589615.ece#:~:text=XPoSat%20will%20be%20launched%20by,Dhawan%20Space%20Center%20in%20Sriharikota&text=Indian%20Space%20Research%20Organisation%20(ISRO,of%20intense%20X%2DRay%20sources.