India launches X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite

NEW DELHI, 2nd January, 2024 (WAM) -- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday launched X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPOSat) aboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C58.

According to the Indian News Agency (ANI), The XPOSat is India's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.

The objective of the PSLV-C58 mission includes measuring polarisation of X-rays in the energy band 8-30 keV emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources, to carry out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic x-ray sources. The X-Ray polarisation serves as a crucial diagnostic tool for examining the radiation mechanism and geometry of celestial sources.