The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its first polarimetry mission, XPoSat, on January 1, 2024 at 9:15 AM IST⁵. The X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) will be onboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C58 ⁵. The mission aims to study black hole emissions and neutron stars ¹²³.
The XPoSat mission is a significant milestone in India's space exploration journey. It is a collaborative effort between ISRO and the Raman Research Institute (RRI) ⁴. The satellite is equipped with a payload called POLIX, which is an X-ray polarimeter for astronomical observations in the energy band of 8-30 keV ⁵. POLIX is being developed by RRI in collaboration with U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) ⁵. The instrument is made of a collimator, a scatterer, and four X-ray proportional counter detectors that surround the scatterer. The scatterer is made of low atomic mass material which causes anisotropic Thomson scattering of incoming polarised X-rays ⁵.
The XPoSat mission is expected to revolutionize space-based X-Ray astronomy ³. The satellite will help scientists study the polarization of X-rays emitted from black holes and neutron stars ¹. The mission will also help scientists understand the physical processes that occur in the vicinity of black holes and neutron stars ². The data collected by XPoSat will be used to develop theoretical models of black hole and neutron star emissions ¹.
The XPoSat mission is a testament to India's growing capabilities in space exploration. The mission is expected to contribute significantly to the global scientific community's understanding of black holes and neutron stars. The XPoSat mission is also expected to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers in India to pursue careers in space exploration.
Source:
(1) XPoSat - Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). https://www.isro.gov.in/XPoSat.html.
(2) XPoSat: India’s X-Ray Polarimetry Mission - Indian Space Research .... https://www.isro.gov.in/XPoSat_X-Ray_Polarimetry_Mission.html.
(3) After Moon and Sun, ISRO readies XPoSat mission to enhance .... https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/after-moon-and-sun-isro-readies-xposat-mission-to-enhance-understanding-in-astronomy-396622-2023-09-02.
(4) XPoSat set to revolutionize x-ray astronomy: Isro. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/xposat-set-to-revolutionize-x-ray-astronomy-isro/articleshow/105610104.cms.
(5) XPoSat - INSIGHTSIAS. https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/05/27/xposat/.
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