Context: Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched its first X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XpoSat) to study X-ray polarisation and its cosmic sources, like Black holes, Neutron stars, and Magnetars.

About X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XpoSat)

Purpose

• XPoSat is designed to study X-ray polarization in the medium X-ray band, offering insights into celestial sources' radiation mechanisms and geometry.

• This study is crucial for understanding the physics behind these celestial bodies.

Payloads

• The satellite carries two main payloads, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing).

• POLIX will observe about 40 bright astronomical sources, while XSPECT will study the electromagnetic spectrum generated by different matter.

Development

• Entirely built by two Bengaluru-based institutes—ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre and Raman Research Institute—XPoSat's development began in 2008, with a formal agreement signed with ISRO in 2015.

Global Context

• XPoSat is only the world's second mission dedicated to X-ray polarization in the medium X-ray band. NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), launched in 2021, was the first such mission by a space agency.

National Contribution

• XPoSat will be India's third space-based observatory, following the recently launched solar mission Aditya-L1 and AstroSat, which was launched in 2015. Its launch is seen as a significant stride for Indian astronomy and space research.

Scientific Missions by ISRO

• Aditya L1 Space Probe: ISRO launches scientific missions like the Aditya L1 space probe to study the sun, showcasing a shift towards exploration and research.

• XPoSat Mission: XPoSat, the second spacebased Xray polarimetry experiment, reflects ISRO's commitment to scientific discovery, focusing on pulsars and black holes.

• Unique Needs and Priorities: ISRO's emphasis on scientific missions indicates unique needs and priorities, balancing exploration with technological advancements for space exploration.

C58 Mission: Science and Technology Union

• XPoSat Launch: ISRO's C58 mission includes launching XPoSat, emphasizing scientific exploration of Xrays and contributing to global knowledge.

• Orbital Testbed: The fourth stage of the rocket transforms into an orbital testbed, showcasing technological innovations, including private entities' contributions.

• Union of Aspirations: C58 mission symbolizes a union of professional scientists, students, and the private space sector, aligning with ISRO's evolving demands.

ISRO's Navigation in Space Exploration Era

• Shifting Priorities: ISRO's diverse missions reflect a shift in priorities, anticipating a permanent lunar station and emphasizing both technological capabilities and scientific knowledge.

• Lunar Exploration: ISRO navigates an era of lunar exploration, blending technological advancements and scientific missions to expand humanity's understanding of the universe.

• Humankind's Knowledge: ISRO's endeavors align with humankind's quest for knowledge, demonstrating a balance between technological capabilities and scientific exploration in space missions.