ISRO’s XPoSat MISSION

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TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) put its first polarimetry mission X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) in a precise circular orbit of 650 km after a 21-minute flight.

EXPLANATION:

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has launched XPoSat, India’s pioneering satellite-based mission exclusively dedicated to conducting X-ray polarimetry measurements.
• This mission holds global significance as the second such satellite-based initiative worldwide.

Objectives and Payloads:

• XPoSat aims to analyze the polarization of X-rays emitted from celestial sources within the medium frequency band.
• The satellite comprises two primary payloads:
  • the Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and
  • X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT),
• Payloads were developed by the Raman Research Institute and UR Rao Satellite Centre, both located in Bengaluru.
• Satellite has been positioned in a low earth orbit of approximately 650 km with a low inclination of about 6 degrees, XPoSat anticipates a mission life of around five years.
• The satellite’s observations primarily focus on polarized X-rays emitted from magnetars or neutron stars while transiting Earth’s shadow, especially during eclipse periods.

Scientific Significance of XPoSat:

• This mission marks a significant advancement in space-based X-ray polarimetry, an area less explored compared to other spectrums of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Unlike traditional methods using spectroscopy, imaging, and timing data, XPoSat enables the measurement of polarized X-rays emitted from various celestial sources, providing a deeper understanding of magnetars, black holes, and neutron stars.

Role of POLIX and XSPECT Payloads:

• POLIX:
  • World’s first instrument designed for operation in the medium X-ray energy band (8 to 30 keV).
  • It utilizes a collimator and four X-ray proportional counter detectors to observe selected astronomical sources, particularly those surrounded by bright sources in the field of view.
• XSPECT:
  • Engineered for fast timing and high spectroscopic resolution within the soft X-ray energy band (0.8-15 keV).
  • It observes a diverse range of celestial sources, including X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, and active galactic nuclei.

Importance of X-ray Polarization Studies:

• Studying polarized X-rays from cosmic sources offers insights into the nature of radiations and the underlying processes contributing to their generation.
• For instance, interactions with strong magnetic fields or materials around black holes can polarize X-rays.
• Investigating polarized X-rays can unlock mysteries surrounding the behaviour and composition of celestial bodies.

Comparison with Global X-ray Missions:

• XPoSat joins a limited number of missions dedicated to X-ray polarimetry measurements.
• While NASA launched balloon-based experiments like HX-POL and XL-Calibur, the Indian AstroSat mission previously conducted timing and spectroscopy of X-ray sources but did not include polarisation studies.
• In 2021, NASA introduced the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) focusing on soft X-ray band measurements (2 to 8 keV), while XPoSat extends the observational energy band into the medium X-ray range (8 to 30 keV).

Conclusion:

• ISRO’s XPoSat mission signifies a groundbreaking leap in X-ray polarimetry studies, enhancing our understanding of celestial phenomena emitting X-rays.
• By probing the polarization of X-rays from magnetars, black holes, and neutron stars, XPoSat’s POLIX and XSPECT payloads aim to unravel mysteries and contribute significantly to the broader understanding of the Universe’s enigmatic cosmic bodies.
• The innovative capabilities of XPoSat’s payloads pave the way for new avenues in space research, enabling detailed investigations and potentially reshaping existing paradigms in the study of high-energy astrophysics.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/isro-launches-xposat-9090416/