India is set to launch its groundbreaking X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) later this year, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. XPoSat will be India’s first polarimetry mission and only the second of its kind worldwide, with NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) being the other. This collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI) aims to study the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.

Exploring XPoSat’s Mission:

Purpose: The primary objective of XPoSat is to observe and analyze various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources, shedding light on the mysteries of the universe. By studying polarized X-rays emitted from neutron stars and supermassive black holes, scientists can unravel valuable information about the origin, geometry, and inner workings of these celestial objects.

Payloads:
  1. POLIX – Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays:
    • POLIX, the primary payload of XPoSat, is responsible for measuring the degree and angle of polarization of X-rays.
    • Developed in collaboration between RRI and ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru.
    • It will observe approximately 40 bright astronomical sources during the mission’s planned lifespan of about 5 years.
    • POLIX operates in the medium X-ray energy band and represents the first dedicated polarimetry measurement payload in this range.
  2. XSPECT – X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing:
    • XSPECT is another essential payload on board XPoSat.
    • It provides spectroscopic information by analyzing how light is absorbed and emitted by celestial objects.
    • XSPECT will observe a variety of sources, including X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, and low-magnetic field neutron stars.
Significance of Polarimetry Missions:
  1. Understanding X-Rays in Space:
    • X-rays possess extremely high energy and short wavelengths, ranging from 0.03 to 3 nanometers.
    • These rays originate from objects with temperatures in the millions of degrees Celsius, such as pulsars, supernova remnants, and black holes.
    • By studying polarized X-rays, scientists can determine the origin and gain insights into the geometry and internal mechanisms of these light sources.
  2. Exploring Polarized Light:
    • X-rays, like all forms of light, consist of moving electric and magnetic waves.
    • Normally, these waves move in random directions, but polarized light exhibits a more organized pattern.
    • Polarimetry allows scientists to measure the angle of rotation of the plane of polarized light, providing valuable information about certain transparent materials’ characteristics.

Important Points:

  • India’s X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) launch 🚀
  • Collaboration between ISRO and RRI 🤝
  • XPoSat: India’s first polarimetry mission 🇮🇳
  • Purpose: Study dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources ⚛️
  • XPoSat’s payloads:
    • POLIX: Measures degree and angle of polarization 🧭
    • XSPECT: Provides spectroscopic information 🌌
  • Significance of polarimetry missions:
    • Understand polarized X-rays from neutron stars and black holes 🌟
    • Reveal light source’s origin, geometry, and inner workings 🔍
  • X-rays in space:
    • High energy, short wavelengths, emitted by hot objects 🔥
    • X-rays consist of moving electric and magnetic waves 🌈
    • Polarimetry studies angle of rotation of polarized light plane 🌀
Why In News

India is eagerly preparing to launch the highly anticipated X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) later this year, showcasing its commitment to advancing scientific exploration and understanding of celestial bodies. With its state-of-the-art technology, XPoSat aims to revolutionize X-ray astronomy and unravel the mysteries of the universe like never before.

MCQs about India’s XPoSat

  1. Which organization is collaborating with ISRO to build XPoSat?
    A. Raman Research Institute (RRI)
    B. NASA
    C. European Space Agency (ESA)
    D. Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST)
    Correct Answer: A. Raman Research Institute (RRI)
    Explanation: ISRO is collaborating with RRI, an autonomous research institute based in Bengaluru, to develop the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat).
  2. What is the primary objective of India’s X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat)?
    A. To study the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources
    B. To explore the origin of polarized light
    C. To measure the temperature of neutron stars and black holes
    D. To study the effects of X-rays on Earth’s atmosphere
    Correct Answer: A. To study the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources
    Explanation: XPoSat aims to observe and analyze various aspects of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions.
  3. What is the primary function of the POLIX payload on XPoSat?
    A. Measuring the angle of rotation of polarized light
    B. Providing spectroscopic information on X-ray sources
    C. Determining the temperature of celestial objects
    D. Observing X-ray pulsars and black hole binaries
    Correct Answer: A. Measuring the angle of rotation of polarized light
    Explanation: POLIX is the primary payload on XPoSat responsible for measuring the degree and angle of polarization of X-rays.
  4. What is the significance of studying polarized X-rays from celestial objects?
    A. Determining the composition of X-ray sources
    B. Identifying the source of X-ray emissions
    C. Understanding the effects of X-rays on human health
    D. Analyzing the geometry and inner workings of the light source
    Correct Answer: D. Analyzing the geometry and inner workings of the light source
    Explanation: By measuring the polarization of X-rays, scientists can gain insights into the origin, geometry, and internal mechanisms of celestial objects such as neutron stars and supermassive black holes.

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