What is XPoSat?

May 29, 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru, have joined hands to embark on an exciting mission known as the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat). This collaborative effort aims to delve into the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources, shedding light on their behavior and characteristics.

Unveiling XPoSat

The collaboration between ISRO and RRI is focused on the construction of the X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat). This satellite is scheduled to be launched later this year, and its mission is to study the various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources present in extreme conditions. By undertaking this ambitious endeavor, ISRO and RRI aim to expand our knowledge of the enigmatic X-ray sources that exist in the cosmos.

A World of Exploration

While XPoSat marks India’s first venture into polarimetry missions, it is worth mentioning that NASA launched the world’s second polarimetry mission called the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) in 2021. IXPE, equipped with advanced telescopes, allows scientists to observe polarized X-rays emitted by neutron stars and supermassive black holes. Similarly, XPoSat seeks to unlock the secrets of X-ray sources by studying their polarization and understanding the geometry and inner workings of these luminous objects.

The Radiant Temperature

X-rays are characterized by their high energy and short wavelengths, measuring between 0.03 and 3 nanometers. The physical temperature of an object plays a crucial role in determining the wavelength of the X-ray radiation it emits. Objects that emit X-rays, such as pulsars, galactic supernova remnants, and black holes, possess temperatures that can reach millions of degrees Celsius. These extreme conditions offer a unique opportunity to study the celestial phenomena associated with X-ray sources.

Payloads on Board

XPoSat carries two scientific payloads, each serving a distinct purpose in unraveling the mysteries of X-ray sources. The primary payload, known as POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays), is a collaboration between RRI and ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC). POLIX is designed to measure the degree and angle of polarization of X-rays, enabling the observation of approximately 40 bright astronomical sources during the mission’s planned five-year lifetime. It is the first medium X-ray energy band payload dedicated to polarimetry measurements.

Accompanying POLIX is the XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload, which provides valuable spectroscopic information about how light is absorbed and emitted by objects. XSPECT is capable of observing various types of sources, including X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, and low-magnetic field neutron stars. With the combined capabilities of POLIX and XSPECT, XPoSat is poised to provide a wealth of data to enhance our understanding of these extraordinary cosmic phenomena.

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