The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on January 1 launched its first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XpoSat), a space-based observatory to study X-ray polarisation and its cosmic sources — celestial bodies including black holes, neutron stars and magnetars.
The XpoSat is a space observatory, specifically designed to study X-ray polarisation in various celestial bodies. These include black holes, neutron stars, and magnetars.
The rocket carried the primary payload, the XpoSat, along with 10 other satellites destined for low-earth orbits.
An Overview of XPoSat: A Game Changer in the Field of X-Ray Astronomy
- Comparisons with Previous Missions: It’s worth noting that XpoSat is only the second mission of its kind in the world. The first mission took place in 2021, carried out by NASA. They had launched the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, or IXPE, designed to perform X-ray polarisation measurements. However, there’s a key difference between the two missions. The IXPE operates within the soft X-ray band, while XpoSat will operate within the medium X-ray band.
- The Instruments: POLIX and XSPECT: The Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT) are two primary components of XPoSat. As per ISRO, POLIX plans to examine around 40 prominent astronomical entities from various categories. Meanwhile, XSPECT will be instrumental in studying the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by diverse matter.
- The Role of X-Ray Polarisation: X-ray polarisation is of paramount importance as it provides critical insights into the radiation mechanism and the spatial configuration of celestial entities. Gathering data on X-ray polarisation from cosmic bodies like black holes and neutron stars can enhance our understanding of their physics.
- The Creation of XPoSat: XPoSat is a proud creation of the ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre and the Raman Research Institute, both based in Bengaluru. The idea of XPoSat was born in 2008, and the formal accord with the space agency was signed in 2015.
- XPoSat’s Positioning in Indian Space-Based Observatories: XPoSat will be India’s third space observatory after the recently launched solar mission Aditya-L1, and AstroSat which was launched in 2015.
- XPoSat’s Global Significance: Globally, only a few experiments have been conducted on X-ray polarisation measurements, including balloon-based and short-duration experiments by NASA. While Indian astronomers have carried out timing and broadband spectroscopy of X-ray sources using AstroSat, no polarisation studies have been done. Thus, XPoSat is set to make a significant impact in the field, offering an innovative approach to studying this X-ray frequency band.