X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat)

About X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat):

• It is India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
• Aim: It is aiming to investigate the polarisation of intense X-ray sources.
• The spacecraft will carry two scientific payloads in a low earth orbit.
  • POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): It will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarisation) in a medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV for photons of astronomical origin.
  • XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload: It will give spectroscopic information in the energy range of 0.8-15 keV.
• It is designated for observation from a Low Earth Orbit (non-sun synchronous orbit of ~650 km altitude, low inclination of approximately six degrees).
• The mission life is expected to be approximately five years.
• The payloads onboard XPoSat will observe the X-ray sources during the spacecraft’s transit through the Earth’s shadow, i.e., during the eclipse period.
• It will be launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.