What is XPoSat Mission?

December 23, 2023

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to commence the New Year with the anticipated launch of its pioneering polarimetry mission, XPoSat, slated for January 1. This mission marks a significant milestone as the country’s third space-based observatory, joining the ranks of the recently launched solar mission, Aditya-L1, and the 2015-launched AstroSat.

Polarimetry for Astronomical Insights

The primary objective of the XPoSat mission is to study the “polarisation” of astronomical X-rays. This unique approach provides valuable insights into the processes that lead to X-ray emissions from celestial bodies. Polarimetry, as a method of studying astronomical phenomena, complements traditional imaging methods and involves analyzing fluctuations in light and energy radiated by celestial bodies.

Unraveling Celestial Mysteries

The observatory aims to enhance our understanding of the emission mechanisms from intriguing sources such as black holes and neutron stars—the collapsed cores of massive stars. By studying polarisation, XPoSat is poised to contribute to unraveling the mysteries of these cosmic phenomena.

Payloads and Mission Lifespan

XPoSat carries two payloads in its low Earth orbit:

POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): Designed to make observations in the 8-30 keV range, POLIX is expected to observe around 40 bright astronomical sources of various categories during its planned five-year mission lifespan.
XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing): Utilizing spectroscopy, XSPECT studies the electromagnetic spectrum generated by different matter, further enhancing the mission’s observational capabilities.

Complementary Collaboration with NASA’s IXPE

The XPoSat mission complements NASA’s polarimetry satellite, Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), launched in 2021. While IXPE focuses on measurements in the energy range of 2-8 keV, XPoSat extends this spectrum to 2-30 keV. The collaboration between these two satellites enables coordinated observations, offering a comprehensive view across a wide energy spectrum.

ISRO’s Growing Scientific Endeavors

The XPoSat launch comes in the wake of ISRO’s increased scientific missions following the opening of the Indian space sector to private players. In 2023 alone, ISRO achieved notable milestones, including the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s South Pole and the deployment of a satellite to the L1 point between the Earth and the Sun for uninterrupted observations. Additionally, the organization undertook five other missions, showcasing its commitment to advancing space exploration and research.

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