In a historic venture, India catapults itself into the realms of celestial exploration by launching the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), marking its foray as the second nation to delve into the mysteries of black holes and other cosmic entities through a dedicated astronomical space observatory.
Unveiling XPoSat: Unprecedented Insights into Cosmic Dynamics
XPoSat, the first-of-its-kind X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, heralds a new chapter in India’s space odyssey. Tasked with unraveling the intricate dynamics of luminous astronomical X-ray sources thriving in extreme conditions, the spacecraft houses two cutting-edge scientific payloads, poised to revolutionize our comprehension of the cosmos.
POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): Crafted by the collaborative efforts of the Ramam Research Institute (RRI) and the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bangalore, POLIX ventures into the medium X-ray energy band of 8-30 keV. Comprising a collimator, scatterer, and four X-ray proportional counter detectors, its innovative design enables the measurement of polarimetry parameters – the degree and angle of polarization. POLIX is slated to observe approximately 40 diverse bright astronomical sources during XPoSat’s envisaged 5-year mission span, pioneering polarimetry measurements in the medium X-ray energy band.
XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing): Nestled aboard XPoSat, XSPECT offers a window into soft X-ray spectroscopy and timing. With Swept Charge Devices (SCDs) enhancing its capabilities, XSPECT provides impeccable spectral resolution and fast timing in the 0.8-15 keV X-ray energy range. Employing passive collimators to narrow its field of view, XSPECT promises extensive observations of various celestial sources, including X-ray pulsars, blackhole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron stars, active galactic nuclei (AGNs), and Magnetars. Its role in conducting long-term monitoring of spectral changes and temporal emissions aligns with POLIX’s mission objectives, offering a holistic view of cosmic phenomena.
Unraveling Cosmic Riddles: The Interplay of Emission Processes
The emission mechanisms from celestial entities like black holes, neutron stars, and active galactic nuclei remain enigmatic due to the complexity of underlying physical processes. While existing space observatories provide rich spectroscopic and timing data, understanding the true essence of these emissions has eluded astronomers. XPoSat’s pioneering polarimetry measurements, delving into the degree and angle of polarization, aspire to unlock the mysteries and refine theoretical models governing astronomical emission processes. This breakthrough research trajectory marks a pivotal direction for the Indian scientific community, propelling cosmic exploration into uncharted territories.
As XPoSat embarks on this ambitious mission, India positions itself at the forefront of space exploration, ready to decode the cosmic symphony concealed within the enigmatic realms of black holes and celestial marvels.