The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today successfully launched its first-ever X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite, XpoSAT, onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C58. The milestone mission marks a major advance in the study of celestial objects like black holes.Heres what ISRO chairman S Somanath said:ISRO Chairman S Somanath termed the launch from Sriharikota spaceport a success, with the PSLV placing XPoSat precisely into its intended 650 km low Earth orbit.The new year begins with the PSLV launch, heralding an exciting 2024 ahead. Many more missions are planned, including the prestigious Gaganyaan, Somanath said.#WATCH | ISRO Chairman S Somnath says Only in 12 months (in 2024), we have to have a minimum of 12 missions on our target. It may exceed depending upon our ability to produce hardware, complete the testing and if things go well. If it is not going well, there could be an impact.… pic.twitter.com/QzPT0aC8zD— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2024At 9:10 AM, the 44.4-meter tall PSLV ascended into clear skies from Sriharikotas first launch pad, sparking cheers from spectators at the Andhra Pradesh spaceport.#WATCH | ISRO Chairman S Somnath says 2024 is going to be the year for Gaganyaan readiness...Along with that, we will have a helicopter-based drop test to prove the Parachute systems, there will be multiple drop tests. We also will have many hundreds of valuation tests. So it is… pic.twitter.com/T3VAqloXng— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2024What is XpoSATIn its pioneering role, XPoSAT will investigate the polarisation of intense X-ray emissions from exotic cosmic sources.The satellites payloads include POLIX, designed by Raman Research Institute to measure polarimetry, and XSPECT, built by UR Rao Satellite Centre, for spectroscopy and timing studies. The multi-agency mission has an intended lifespan of around five years.XPoSATs data will enable new perspectives on high-energy phenomena like emissions near black holes and neutron stars. Findings could reshape our understanding of our universe.According to ISRO, 2024 will see many more ambitious missions, including the critical Gaganyaan manned spacecraft program. Todays flawless takeoff kicks off an exciting year in space for India.
