In a historic stride for Indian space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) today, marking the nation’s first space mission of 2024. The satellite, destined for a groundbreaking mission to study black holes and neutron stars, lifted off at 9:10 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Following in the footsteps of the Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L1 missions, the XPoSat mission signifies a pivotal moment for India’s space endeavors. This venture propels India into an elite group, making it the second country in the world, after the United States, to send a specialized astronomy observatory to delve into the mysteries of black holes and neutron stars within our galaxy.
The XPoSat launch was announced by ISRO on its official platforms, emphasizing the significance of this mission in advancing the nation’s capabilities in space research. The live-streaming of the event on ISRO’s official website and social media handles allowed enthusiasts and the general public to witness this momentous occasion.
The satellite, to be carried by the PSLV-C58 spacecraft, will be placed into an eastward low-inclination orbit, maximizing its observational capabilities. Alongside XPoSat, the PSLV-C58 will also carry the ‘PSLV Orbital Experimental Module,’ adding an experimental dimension to the mission.
“The launch of the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is set for January 1, 2024, at 09:10 Hrs. IST from the first launch-pad, SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota,” announced ISRO in anticipation of the mission.
Scientists and space enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the wealth of knowledge that will be generated from this mission. The XPoSat’s specialized instruments will enable detailed studies of celestial phenomena, contributing to the global understanding of the cosmos.
