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X-ray Polarimeter Satellite

X-ray Polarimeter satellite (XPoSat) in deployed configuration
Names	XPoSat
Mission type	Space observatory
Operator	ISRO
COSPAR ID	2024-001A
SATCAT no.	58694
Website	www.isro.gov.in/XPoSat.html
Mission duration	Planned : 5 years Elapsed : 11 months, 19 days
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft	X-ray Polarimeter Satellite
Bus	Modified IMS-2
Manufacturer	Raman Research Institute U R Rao Satellite Centre
Launch mass	480 kg (1,060 lb)
Payload mass	144 kg (317 lb)
Dimensions	65 × 65 × 60 cm (26 × 26 × 24 in)
Power	1260 watts
Start of mission
Launch date	1 January 2024, 9:10 AM IST (3:40 UTC)
Rocket	PSLV-DL
Launch site	Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
Contractor	ISRO
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric orbit
Regime	Low Earth orbit
Perigee altitude	638 km
Apogee altitude	653 km
Inclination	6°
Period	97.61 minutes
Instruments
Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT)
XPoSat Logo

The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-manufactured space observatory to study polarisation of cosmic X-rays. It was launched on 1 January 2024 on a PSLV rocket, and it has an expected operational lifespan of at least five years.

The telescope was developed by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in close collaboration with U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC). Per ISRO, this mission will complement the efforts of US space agency NASA, which launched its Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) in 2021 by observing space events across a broad energy range of 2–30 keV.

Overview

Studying how radiation is polarised gives away the nature of its source, including the strength and distribution of its magnetic fields and the nature of other radiation around it. XPoSat will study the 50 locally brightest (known) sources in the universe consisting of, variously, pulsars, black hole X-ray binaries, active galactic nuclei, neutron stars and non-thermal supernova remnants. The observatory was placed in a circular low Earth orbit of 500–700 km (310–430 mi). The payloads onboard XPoSat will observe the X-Ray sources during its transit through the Earth's eclipse period.

History

The XPoSat project began in September 2017 with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) grant of ₹95,000,000. Preliminary Design Review (PDR) of the XPoSat including the POLIX payload was completed in September 2018, followed by preparation of POLIX Qualification Model and beginning of some of its Flight Model components fabrication.

Launch

XPoSAT was successfully launched aboard PSLV-C58 on 1 January 2024 at 9:10 am IST. The launch was precise, leaving only a deviation of (±) 3 km. Following the launch, the final 4th stage of the PSLV dropped to a 350 x 350 km orbit to facilitate its use as PSLV Orbital Experimental Module POEM-3.

First Light

XSPECT

The XSPECT payload on XPoSat captured its first light from the Cassiopeia A (Cas A), a supernova remnant somewhat over 11,000 light years away on 5 January 2024. During its performance verification phase, XSPECT was directed towards this standard celestial source used for instrument evaluation which is among the brightest radio frequency sources in the sky. The observation commenced on 5 January 2024, capturing the supernova remnant's emission lines corresponding to elements such as magnesium, silicon, sulphur, argon, calcium, and iron.

POLIX

XPoSat's POLIX sensor has started making scientific observations including first-ever data of x-ray polarisation of the Crab Pulsar, its first subject. The observation, which verified the POLIX instrument's operation, took place between January 15 and 18, 2024. POLIX monitored this fast-spinning neutron star in the Crab Nebula that releases roughly thirty X-ray pulses per second. Through the identification of polarization in its incoming X-rays, POLIX provides fresh perspectives on the physical emission processes at the surface of neutron stars. On 10 January 2024, the instrument was gradually turned on.

Solar Observations

In response to a massive Solar Flare in May 2024, XpoSAT, along with Aditya-L1 and the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter colleected data on the event. XSPECT was used in conjunction with data from ground based observatories to provide fast timed and good spectroscopic results in the X-Ray spectra.

Payloads

Two payloads of XPoSat are hosted on a modified IMS-2 satellite bus. Primary scientific payload is Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) to study the degree and angle of polarisation of about 50 locally brightest astronomical X-ray sources of different types during its mission in the energy range 8-30 keV. POLIX, a 125 kg (276 lb) instrument, was developed by the Raman Research Institute.

Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX)

POLIX is the primary scientific payload aboard XPoSat. It is a Thomson X-ray polarimeter, which measures the degree and angle of polarization (polarimetry parameters) of astronomical sources in the medium X-ray range (8-30 keV). It has been developed by Raman Research Institute.

Its science objectives are to measure:

• the strength and the distribution of magnetic field in the sources
• geometric anisotropies in the sources
• their alignment with respect to the line of sight
• the nature of the accelerator responsible for energising the electrons taking part in radiation and scattering.

The experiment configuration consists of a collimator, central low Z (lithium, lithium hydride or beryllium) scatterer surrounded by xenon filled four X-ray proportional counters as X-ray detectors which collects the scattered X-ray photons. The instrument is rotated along the viewing axis leading to the measurement of the azimuthal distribution of the scattered X-ray photons which gives information on polarisation. Polarised X-rays will produce an azimuthal modulation in the count rate as opposed to uniform azimuthal distribution of count rate for unpolarised X-rays. POLIX has four independent detectors, each with its own front end and processing electronics. Localization of the X-ray photon in the detectors is carried out by the method of charge division in a set of resistive anode wires connected in series.

The prime objects for observation with this instrument are the X-ray bright accretion powered neutron stars, accreting black holes in different spectral states, rotation powered pulsars, magnetars, and active galactic nuclei. This instrument bridges an energy gap in detection capability, between the soft X-ray polarimeters utilising Bragg reflection (OSO-8) or Photoelectron tracks (IXPE), and hard X-ray polarimeters using Compton scattering such as the Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI) on AstroSat.

X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT)

XSPECT is the secondary payload on XPoSat. It measures spectroscopic information, timing of soft X-rays and electromagnetic spectrum generated by different types of matter. XSPECT is designed to pursue timing studies of soft X-rays (0.8-15 keV), complementary to what the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) does at high energies on AstroSat, while simultaneously providing adequate spectral resolution in the 1-20 keV band. It has an energy resolution of <200 eV at 5.9 keV (-20 °C) and a timing resolution of ~2 msec. It has been developed by the Space Astronomy Group of the U R Rao Satellite Centre.

The detector achieves modest effective area without the use of focusing optics using the large area Swept Charge Devices (SCD), a variant of X-ray charge-coupled Devices (CCDs). SCDs permit fast readouts (10–100 kHz) and moderately good spectral resolution at the cost of a position sensitivity. These devices are unique in requiring very benign cooling requirement (requiring only passive cooling) unlike traditional X-ray CCDs.

Key science objectives of XSPECT include understanding long-term behavior of X-ray sources through correlation of timing characteristics with spectral state changes and emission line variations.

See also

• Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer
• List of X-ray space telescopes
• X-ray astronomy satellite
• X-ray telescope

References

1. Dutt, Anonna (21 December 2023). "ISRO to usher in New Year with XPoSat launch". The Indian Express. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
2. ^ "ISRO announces Seven Mega Missions". GK Today. 20 May 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
3. ^ XPoSat User Meet. 25 May 2023. Event occurs at 1 hour 5 minutes 34 seconds.
4. Mandal, Annu (22 December 2023). "ISRO to launch of XPoSat mission on January 1, 2024, to study polarisation along with NASA". Financial Express. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
5. Volosín, Juan I. Morales. "XPoSat : PSLV-DL". Everyday Astronaut. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
6. "ISRO to study black holes; launch of X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite today". mint. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
7. Kumar, Chethan (30 November 2023). "XPoSat set to revolutionize x-ray astronomy: Isro". The Times of India. TNN. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
8. Nigam, Saumya (26 December 2023). "ISRO to launch PSLV-C58 with XPoSAT on January 1 to study black holes, neutron stars | Details". India TV. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
9. ^ "Future Exploration Missions of ISRO" (PDF). Dr. M. Annadurai, Director, ISAC, ISRO. UNCOPUOS 60th Session, Vienna, 2019. ISRO. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
10. "Loksabha Q&A" (PDF). DEPARTMENT OF SPACE. 5 April 2023.
11. ^ "Isro to illuminate cosmic mysteries of black holes with launch of XPoSat mission". India Today. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
12. ^ Mandal, Annu (22 December 2023). "ISRO to launch of XPoSat mission on January 1, 2024, to study polarisation along with NASA". Financialexpress. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
13. Kumar, Chethan (30 November 2023). "XPoSat set to revolutionize x-ray astronomy: Isro". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
14. ^ "5 Unique Space Science Missions That ISRO Will Be Flying in the Near Future". The Wire. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
15. "India set to launch its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite: ISRO". The Hindu. 30 November 2023. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 December 2023.
16. "XPoSat". isro.gov.in.
17. "Raman Research Institute, Annual Report 2018-19" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 August 2020.
18. "New Year's Day Launch, The XPoSAT mission by ISRO". BruTimes.
19. Launch of PSLV-C58/XPoSat Mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, retrieved 1 January 2024
20. "XSPECT payload performance verified with Cas A observation". Indian Space Research Organisation. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
21. "ISRO Payload "Aces" Performance Check, Captures Light From Supernova Event". NDTV.com. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
22. Kumar, Chethan (13 February 2024). "Isro achieves first pulsar observation from XPoSat payload". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
23. "Isro's black hole mission XPoSat begins active observation, looks at Crab pulsar". India Today. 13 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
24. "ISRO Captures the Signatures of the Recent Solar Eruptive Events from Earth, Sun-Earth L1 Point, and the Moon". www.isro.gov.in. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
25. ^ "Chandrayaan 2 launched: Here are future ISRO missions to space". The Indian Express. 22 July 2019. Retrieved 23 July 2019.
26. ^ X-ray Polarimeter Experiment (POLIX) Raman Research Institute Accessed on 2 August 2019
27. ^ Ghosh, Sahana (11 September 2023). "India to launch world's second X-ray polarimetry space observatory". Nature India. doi:10.1038/d44151-023-00132-x.
28. "Government of India, Department of Space, Annual Report 2020" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 February 2020.

v t e Indian space programme
Department of Space (DoS)
Organisations	Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Antrix Corporation Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Development and Educational Communication Unit (DECU) Integrated Space Cell Defence Space Agency Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN–SPACe)
Programmes	Bhaskara GAGAN GSAT INSAT IRNSS IRS Cartosat RISAT Rohini SROSS Chandrayaan Human Spaceflight Programme
Satellites	APPLE Aryabhata HAMSAT IMS-1 Megha-Tropiques NISAR SARAL South Asia Satellite Kalpana-1
Space observatories	Astrosat Aditya-L1 XPoSat AstroSat-2 (proposed)
Lunar and planetary spacecraft	Chandrayaan-1 Moon Impact Probe Chandrayaan-2 Vikram lander Pragyan rover Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander Pragyan rover Chandrayaan-4 (upcoming) Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (proposed) Mars Orbiter Mission Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (proposed) Venus Orbiter Mission (proposed)
Human spaceflight	Indian human spaceflight programme SRE-1 SRE-II Gaganyaan CARE ISRO Space Station (proposed)
Launch vehicles	Active Orbital PSLV Launches GSLV Launches LVM3 SSLV Launches Suborbital Rohini ATV In development RLV Technology Demonstration Programme NGLV Retired SLV ASLV
Engines	Active CE-7.5 CE-20 Vikas In development SCE-200
Spaceports	Satish Dhawan Space Centre Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station under development Kulasekharapatnam Spaceport
Research facilities	Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre U R Rao Satellite Centre Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre ISRO Propulsion Complex Space Applications Centre ISRO Inertial Systems Unit Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems Human Space Flight Centre Development and Educational Communication Unit
Communications	Indian Deep Space Network Indian Space Science Data Centre ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network Master Control Facility National Remote Sensing Centre
Legislation and policy	Space Activities Bill
Private companies	Pixxel Skyroot Aerospace Sisir Radar Satellize AgniKul Cosmos Dhruva Space Bellatrix Aerospace TeamIndus
Related	National Space Day SAGA-220 (supercomputer) Statio Shiv Shakti RESPOND
List of Indian satellites List of Satish Dhawan Space Centre launches List of ISRO missions List of ISRO chairpersons

v t e Indian spacecraft
List of Indian satellites List of Satish Dhawan Space Centre launches List of ISRO missions
Satellites	Communication CMS 01 02 GSAT 1 2 3 (EDUSAT) 4 5P 6 6A 7 7A 8 9 (South Asia Satellite) 10 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 29 30 31 HAMSAT INSAT 1A 1B 1C 1D 2A 2B 2C 2D 2DT 2E 3A 3B 3C 3D 3DR 3DS 3E 4A 4B 4C 4CR 4E 4F 4G Planned: GSAT 20 22 23 24 Earth observation Bhaskara I II Cartosat 1 2 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F 3 EMISAT EOS 1 2 4 7 8 HySIS IMS-1 IRS 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E P1 P2 P3 Megha-Tropiques Microsat Microsat-R Oceansat 1 2 Resourcesat 1 2 RISAT 1 2 2B 2BR1 Rohini RS-D1 RS-D2 SARAL SCATSAT-1 Technology Experiment Satellite (TESS) Planned: NISAR GISAT Oceansat-3 Resourcesat-3 RISAT-1A Experimental APPLE Aryabhata Rohini RS-1 Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) Navigation IRNSS 1A 1B 1C 1D 1E 1F 1G 1I NVS-01 Student satellites ANUSAT Jugnu SRMSAT StudSat StudSat-2 YouthSat Pratham
Space probes	Scientific SROSS A B C C2 Astronomical Astrosat Aditya-L1 XPoSat AstroSat-2 (planned) Lunar programme Chandrayaan-1 Moon Impact Probe Chandrayaan-2 Vikram Pragyan Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Pragyan Lunar Polar Exploration Mission Chandrayaan-4 Chandrayaan-5 Chandrayaan-6 Interplanetary Mars Orbiter Mission Mars Orbiter Mission 2 (planned) Venus Orbiter Mission (planned)
Human spaceflight	Indian Human Spaceflight Programme SRE-1 SRE-II SRE-III Gaganyaan CARE Bharatiya Antariksha Station
Future spacecraft in italics.

{ INDIA’S PIONEERING X-RAY POLARIMETRY MISSION }

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