In a groundbreaking endeavor, India is poised to launch its maiden X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), embarking on a mission to unravel the enigmatic realm of X-ray polarization. This ambitious undertaking marks a significant leap forward in India’s space exploration, venturing beyond conventional imaging, time-domain studies, and spectroscopy into the uncharted territory of X-ray polarimetry.
The XPoSat spacecraft, designed for observation from Low Earth Orbit, will carry two cutting-edge scientific payloads – POLIX and XSPECT – enabling simultaneous investigations of temporal, spectral, and polarization characteristics of celestial X-ray sources. These payloads will delve into the energy bands of 8-30 keV and 0.8-15 keV, respectively, to measure X-ray polarization, study long-term spectral and temporal variations of cosmic X-ray sources, and provide spectroscopic insights.
The primary payload, POLIX, meticulously crafted by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) with ISRO’s support, will unravel the mysteries of X-ray polarization by determining the degree and angle of polarization in the medium X-ray energy range. Its counterpart, XSPECT, developed by ISRO’s U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), will illuminate the spectral landscape of X-ray sources.
The XPoSat mission, projected to last five years, will harness the power of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to embark on its journey from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. During the spacecraft’s transit through Earth’s shadow, the payloads will gather valuable data, shedding light on the enigmatic nature of X-ray polarization and enriching our understanding of the cosmos.
