The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) commenced the new year with a resounding success as its PSLV-C58 rocket executed its 60th mission flawlessly, deploying the XPoSat (X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite) into its designated 650km orbit from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. ISRO further delighted enthusiasts by sharing a captivating video illustrating the satellite’s orbital insertion, marking a significant leap in India’s space exploration endeavors.
The XPoSat mission stands as a pioneering venture, propelling India into the select league of nations, alongside the US, engaged in pioneering polarimetry missions. With a focus on discerning celestial body characteristics by analyzing the direction of incoming waves’ vibrations, this mission holds immense promise. It aims to unravel the enigmatic emission mechanisms from various astronomical sources like black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, and pulsar wind nebulae, shedding light on intricate physical processes governing these cosmic phenomena.
In a post-launch press conference, ISRO Chairperson S Somnath outlined an ambitious roadmap for 2024, asserting the agency’s goal to execute a minimum of 12 missions within the year. The number might escalate, contingent upon hardware production, testing completion, and overall operational efficacy. Emphasizing the meticulous preparatory measures, Somnath affirmed readiness for 12-14 missions, underscoring the agency’s commitment to pushing boundaries in space exploration.
Somnath also provided insights into ongoing and forthcoming missions. The Aditya-L1 solar mission, launched in September, is poised for its final maneuver to reach the intended destination—the L1 point—scheduled for January 6. Regarding the highly anticipated Gaganyaan mission, the ISRO chief announced plans for two more abort missions, one unmanned, with comprehensive parachute drop tests and extensive evaluation trials planned before the scheduled launch in 2025.
“2024 is going to be the year for Gaganyaan readiness,” Somnath proclaimed. The preparations include innovative helicopter-based drop tests to validate parachute systems, complemented by numerous rigorous valuation tests. With an overarching commitment to meticulous preparation, ISRO sets its sights on an eventful year characterized by groundbreaking missions and technological advancements.
The successful XPoSat launch signifies India’s growing prowess in space exploration while underscoring ISRO’s determination to expand its scientific footprint beyond Earth’s boundaries. As the agency prepares for an eventful 2024, the anticipation and excitement within the global space community soar, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in India’s space odyssey.
Sources By Agencies
