XPoSat Launch Successful – ISRO begins New Year in Style

Bangalore, January 1, 2024. India’s Prestigious Space Agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO welcomed the new year with the launch of its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite that would offer insights into black holes.

The PSLV-C58 rocket, in its 60th mission, carried primary payload XPoSat and 10 other satellites to be deployed in low earth orbits.

According to ISRO, it is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.

Besides ISRO, the US-based National Aeronautics Space Agency (NASA) conducted a similar study — the Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer mission in December 2021 on the remnants of supernova explosions, the particle streams emitted by black holes and other cosmic events.

ISRO XPoSat launch: 3 Key objectives of mission

To measure polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources through Thomson Scattering by POLIX payload.

To carry out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV by XSPECT payload.

To carry out polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources by POLIX and XSPECT payloads respectively in the common energyband.

Upcoming missions in 2024

ISRO has kicked off 2024 with a major success as the Indian space agency launched the XPoSat satellite on the morning of 1 January. The XPoSat satellite will study X-ray emission from various celestial sources including black holes.

The other ISRO missions that are in the pipeline this year are

NISAR

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) represents a collaborative project between NASA and ISRO. This mission aims to launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite that is going to be used for remote sensing. This mission is scheduled for launch in January 2024.

INSAT 3DS

The INSAT 3DS, an integral component of the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) series created by ISRO, is slated for a prospective launch in January 2024.

Gaganyaan 1

Gaganyaan’s maiden mission is a collaborative endeavour between ISRO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). It is scheduled for a launch either in January or February 2024

Mangalyaan-2 (MOM 2)

Mangalyaan-2 also known as Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (MOM 2). This will be ISRO’s second Mars planet mission. This mission aims to study surface, atmosphere, and climatic conditions.

Shukrayaan-1 (Venus Orbiter Mission)

Under the Venus Orbiter Mission, ISRO plans to launch a spacecraft to orbit the planet Venus. This will be the first attempt for India to plan a mission for Venus and its launch is scheduled for December 2024 or

ISRO ‘Have to have a minimum of 12 missions’ in 2024, says S. Somanath

ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said he is anticipating to have at least 12 missions in 12 months. “Only in 12 months (in 2024), we have to have a minimum of 12 missions on our target. It may exceed depending upon our ability to produce hardware, complete the testing, and if things go well. If it is not going well, there could be an impact. Otherwise, we are getting ready for at least 12-14 missions…,” the ISRO chairman said.