ISRO LAUNCHES X-RAY POLARIMETER SATELLITE TO STUDY BLACK HOLES

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its inaugural X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, XPoSat, using the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in its C58 mission.

The primary satellite, XPoSat, was deployed into a 650 km Low Earth Orbit, followed by a strategic manoeuvre that lowered its altitude to 350 km for the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment. This milestone marks ISRO's entry into scientific research dedicated to X-ray polarization, with XPoSat geared to investigate intense X-ray sources in space, providing unprecedented insights into celestial phenomena such as black holes.

The launch took place from the first launch pad at 9:10 am, and the 44.4-meter-tall PSLV rocket accomplished its primary objective by precisely placing XPoSat into the intended orbit after a 21-minute flight. Subsequently, scientists at ISRO initiated a manoeuvre by firing the fourth stage of the PSLV rocket twice. This manoeuvrer aimed to reduce the satellite's altitude from 650 km to 350 km, setting the stage for the scientific experiments under the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) initiative. The successful execution of this complex manoeuvrer highlights ISRO's technical prowess and strategic capabilities.

The PSLV variant utilized for this mission was the PSLV-DL, boasting a lift-off mass of 260 tonnes. Notably, the fourth stage of the rocket is configured as a 3-axis stabilized orbital platform designed for conducting experiments. This particular mission is part of ISRO's ongoing efforts to enhance scientific research capabilities and explore new frontiers in space exploration.

This venture is not the first of its kind for ISRO. A similar scientific experiment was conducted using POEM-2 during the PSLV-C55 mission in April 2023, setting the stage for continuous innovation and advancements in the space agency's pursuits. The experiments conducted as part of POEM3 involve 10 payloads from various ISRO centers, each contributing to the broader scientific objectives of the mission.