Context:
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that India is set to launch its first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat).
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat): India’s Pioneering Polarimetry Mission
XPoSat represents India’s inaugural dedicated polarimetry mission designed to explore the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
Aim:
- The primary goal is to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources, advancing our understanding of celestial phenomena.
Scientific Payloads:
- POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays):
- Measures polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarization) in the medium X-ray energy range (8-30 keV) for astronomical photons.
- XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) Payload:
- Provides spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
Orbit and Designation:
- Designated for observation from a Low Earth Orbit, specifically a non-sun synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 650 km with a low inclination of around six degrees.
Mission Duration:
- Anticipated mission life is approximately five years.
Observation Strategy:
- Payloads onboard XPoSat will observe X-ray sources during the spacecraft’s transit through Earth’s shadow, particularly during the eclipse period.
Launch Details:
- The satellite is scheduled to be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
-Source: Indian Express
