HomeNationDiscovering Space Secrets: Why ISRO's XPoSat Matters

Discovering Space Secrets: Why ISRO’s XPoSat Matters

X: @the_news_21

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) accomplished a major milestone by successfully placing its first polarimetry mission, the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), into a precise circular orbit of 650 km on Monday morning after a 21-minute flight. This achievement marks the world’s second satellite-based mission exclusively dedicated to making X-ray polarimetry measurements.

Here’s a breakdown of the XPoSat mission and its significance:

What is XPoSat?

  • XPoSat focuses on analyzing the polarization of X-rays emitted by bright celestial sources in the medium frequency band.
  • The mission comprises two payloads, the Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT), built by the Raman Research Institute and UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru.
  • It is designed for observation from a low earth orbit (~650 km, low inclination of ~6 degrees) and boasts an estimated mission life of about five years.

Scientific Payloads on XPoSat:

  • POLIX: Operates in the medium X-ray energy band of 8 to 30 kilo electron Volt (keV) and features a collimator and four X-ray proportional counter detectors. It observes a few tens of astronomical sources.
  • XSPECT: Conducts fast timing and high spectroscopic resolution in a soft X-ray energy band (0.8-15 keV) and observes various sources like X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, and more.

Why is XPoSat Significant?

  • The mission marks a groundbreaking effort in enabling X-ray polarisation measurements from bright sources in the medium energy band, a novel endeavor never previously attempted.
  • XPoSat aims to observe magnetars, black holes, neutron stars, and other celestial entities emitting polarized X-rays. By studying these emissions, scientists can glean insights into radiation nature and associated processes.

Importance of X-ray Polarisation Studies:

  • Polarised X-rays carry vital information about the sources emitting them and the intricate processes they undergo, offering clues about celestial bodies and phenomena.
  • While missions dedicated to X-ray polarisation measurements have been limited globally, XPoSat’s unique capabilities represent a significant leap in advancing our understanding of cosmic radiations.

The field of X-ray polarimetry is challenging due to the development of sensitive and precise instruments. However, initiatives like XPoSat and missions by global counterparts, such as NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), mark significant strides in unlocking the mysteries of the universe through X-ray observations.

The successful deployment of XPoSat signifies India’s pioneering efforts in space research and contributes significantly to the global pursuit of unraveling the enigmatic cosmos through precise X-ray polarisation measurements.

Also Read: “Invitation Only Devotion”: Ayodhya Temple Chief Reacts to Uddhav Thackeray’s Comments

35 COMMENTS

  1. Ramatogel adalah tempat membawa keberuntungan terbesar di Indonesia dan menyediakan persentase tertinggi mari gabung sekarang di ramatogel dapatkan bonus fantastis setiap hari

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Must Read

spot_img