In its pursuit to comprehend the emission mechanisms of celestial bodies such as black holes and neutron stars, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the XPoSat mission in 2024. Set to launch on January 1, this mission aims to unravel the complexities of light from astronomical sources.
ISRO’s XPoSat, a five-year mission, will utilize the Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) as its primary payload, measuring the degree and angle of polarization in the medium X-ray energy range. Additionally, the X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT) payload will provide spectroscopic information, collectively enabling the simultaneous study of temporal, spectral, and polarization features of bright X-ray sources.
This endeavor is significant as existing space-based observatories offer valuable data, but discerning the nature of light from celestial bodies remains challenging. By capturing polarization details, the XPoSat mission enhances comprehension of radiation mechanisms and the geometry of these astronomical sources.
ISRO’s January 2024 calendar is bustling with activities, including the insertion of the Aditya L1 solar probe into its halo orbit on January 6, and around January 12, the launch of INSAT-3DS meteorological satellites via the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14). The INSAT-3DS mission contributes to the India Meteorological Department’s climate observatory satellite series.
