NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a New Year spectacle with the scheduled launch of the XPoSat Satellite on January 1. The PSLV-C58 mission is set to propel the satellite into an eastward low inclination orbit at 9:10 IST at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
XPoSat, also known as the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, represents ISRO’s inaugural dedicated scientific satellite designed for research in space-based polarization measurements of X-ray emissions from celestial sources. The satellite’s configuration adapts from the IMS-2 bus platform, drawing on the heritage of IRS satellites.
XPoSat carries two primary payloads: POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing). Developed by the Raman Research Institute and the Space Astronomy Group of URSC, these payloads aim to conduct polarization measurements and long-term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources.
The POLIX payload focuses on measuring polarization of X-rays in the energy band 8-30keV from potential cosmic sources, employing Thomson Scattering for measurements. Meanwhile, the XSPECT payload conducts spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources in the energy band 0.8-15keV, emphasizing spectroscopic measurements.
Simultaneous polarimetry and spectroscopic assessments of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources will be conducted, covering a shared energy band with POLIX and XSPECT payloads.
Following the injection of XPoSat, the PS4 stage will undergo two re-starts to adjust the orbit into a 350 km circular orbit, crucial for maintaining a 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform (OP) experiments. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment will fulfill the objectives of 10 identified payloads provided by ISRO and IN-SPACe.
