India To Launch Its First X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite
India is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission with the launch of its inaugural X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), as declared by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The upcoming mission aims to explore the polarization of intense X-ray sources, introducing a valuable dimension to the country space-based X-ray astronomy, according to reports from The Hindu.
While India has already made strides in space-based X-ray astronomy, focusing on imaging, time-domain studies, and spectroscopy, the XPoSat mission is poised to elevate the field by bringing a new and significant perspective to X-ray astronomy.
The spacecraft is meticulously crafted for observations from a Low Earth Orbit, equipped with two scientific payloads designed to conduct concurrent studies of temporal, spectral, and polarization features of bright X-ray sources.
The mission objectives encompass measuring X-ray polarization in the energy band of 8-30 keV emitted from X-ray sources and undertaking extensive spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band of 0.8-15 keV.
With an estimated lifespan of around five years, the payloads will be engaged in observing X-ray sources during the spacecraft transit through Earth shadow, specifically focusing on the eclipse period.
The primary payload, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), developed by the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru with collaborative support from various ISRO centers, is designed to measure polarimetry parameters in the medium X-ray energy range.
Complementing this, the secondary payload, XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing), developed by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) at ISRO, will furnish valuable spectroscopic information within the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
The XPoSat is slated for launch via the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, marking a significant milestone in India pursuit of advancements in space-based X-ray astronomy.
