India has successfully launched its first X-ray astronomy satellite, the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), dedicated to studying black holes. Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) deployed XPoSat into a 650-kilometer orbit.
The launch, occurring at 10:40 p.m. EST on December 31, marked the final launch for 2023 and the first launch for 2024.
XPoSat, now in a 6∘-inclination low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 650 kilometres, is reported to be in good health. The mission is to study and provide valuable data on black holes and neutron stars using advanced X-ray polarimetry technology.
The spacecraft is equipped with two scientific payloads, POLIX and XSPECT, designed to offer new insights into the emission mechanisms of various celestial bodies, including black holes, neutron stars, and active galactic nuclei.
India’s successful launch of XPoSat marks a significant step in its space exploration efforts and contributes to the global understanding of X-ray astronomy.