The dawn of 2024 witnessed another milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as it successfully launched its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, PSLV-C58, on its 60th mission, flawlessly carried XPoSat into its designated 650km orbit, marking a promising start to the year.
ISRO commemorated the achievement by sharing a video capturing the satellite’s orbital insertion, showcasing the precision and expertise involved in the mission. The success of this launch underscores India’s growing capabilities in space exploration and technology.
XPoSat’s mission holds significant importance in the realm of space science. As the first dedicated polarimetry mission, India becomes the second country, following the United States, to delve into the characteristics of celestial bodies by analyzing the direction of the vibration of incoming waves. This groundbreaking approach is poised to unravel the complexities of various astronomical sources, including black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, and pulsar wind nebulae.
ISRO’s Chairman, S Somanath, outlined the ambitious plans for 2024 during a press briefing after the successful launch. He expressed the goal of conducting a minimum of 12 missions throughout the year, showcasing India’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. The actual number of launches may exceed this target, contingent upon the successful production of hardware and completion of testing.
The briefing also shed light on the progress of India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, launched on September 2. Scheduled for its final maneuver to reach the L1 point on January 6, Aditya-L1 is set to provide invaluable insights into the sun’s dynamics, free from eclipses.
The Gaganyaan mission, India’s maiden human space flight mission, took center stage in Somanath’s address. Describing 2024 as the “year for Gaganyaan readiness,” he outlined plans for at least two more abort missions, along with an unmanned mission. Parachute drop tests and numerous validation tests are on the agenda, culminating in the highly anticipated launch in 2025.
As ISRO propels India into new frontiers, 2024 promises to be a year of unparalleled achievements and advancements in space exploration. The successful placement of XPoSat in orbit sets the stage for a year filled with scientific breakthroughs and reaffirms India’s position as a rising star in the realm of space exploration.
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[…] The primary objectives of the mission include monitoring Earth’s surface, conducting oceanic observations, and assessing the environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance. Additionally, the satellite will facilitate data collection and dissemination from Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) and provide Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services. […]