ISRO launches X-ray Polarimeter Satellite to study black holes, second to do so after NASA

SRIHARIKOTA: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday launched its maiden X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, (XPoSat), as part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle's (PSLV) C58 mission. This mission is a big leap forward in the exploration of celestial objects, particularly black holes.

After the successful launch ISRO chief S Somanath said the launch of the mission was a success and the PSLV-C58 had placed the primary satellite - XPoSat - in the intended orbit of 650 km with a 6-degree inclination.

"The New Year at ISRO began with the successful launch of the PSLV and we will have more exciting events in the future. Besides, 2024 is going to be the year of Mission Gaganyaan," he said.

"It's a unique mission as X-ray Polarimetry is a unique scientific capability we have developed internally building instruments. We want to create 100 scientists who can understand this aspect and then contribute to the knowledge of black holes in the world. Aditya L1 will reach the L1 point on 6th January and we will do the final maneuvers then," added the ISRO chief speaking to agencies.

In addition to the XPoSat, the PSLV also launched a Women Engineered Satellite made by the LBS Institute of Technology for women of Thiruvananthapuram and other instruments including the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module.

Besides ISRO, the National Aeronautics Space Agency (NASA) of the USA also conducted a similar study under 'Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer Mission' in December 2021 on the debris of supernova explosions, the particle streams emitted by black holes and other cosmic events.