Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
India's X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) achieved a significant milestone by capturing its first light from the Cassiopeia A (Cas A) supernova remnant, marking a crucial step in its mission since its launch on January 1.
XPoSat, India's inaugural X-ray polarimetric mission, is equipped with two sophisticated instruments: the POLarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) and the X-ray SPECtroscopy and Timing (XSPECT). These instruments are designed to delve into the mysterious nature of cosmic X-ray sources.
The XSPECT payload plays a pivotal role in observing Cas A, a renowned celestial calibration source. Since January 5, XSPECT's observation campaign has provided valuable data, capturing emission lines from elements like Magnesium, Silicon, Sulphur, Argon, Calcium, and Iron. These observations are crucial for instrument calibration and performance validation.
Developed by the Space Astronomy Group at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bengaluru, XSPECT's capabilities extend to continuous and long-term spectral and temporal studies of X-ray sources within the soft X-ray band.
XSPECT's design allows for uninterrupted observations, contributing to a better understanding of high-energy phenomena in the universe, especially those surrounding black holes, neutron stars, and supernova remnants.
The POLIX instrument complements XSPECT by focusing on the medium-energy X-ray band. It specifically investigates the polarization of X-rays, providing a more comprehensive approach to studying the physical processes in extreme cosmic environments.
With an anticipated lifespan of five years, the XPoSat mission promises to be a game-changer in X-ray astronomy. By enabling X-ray polarimetry measurements in the medium-energy band, previously unexplored, XPoSat aims to enhance humanity's knowledge of the cosmos.
XPoSat's exploration of Cas A and its unique instruments signifies a significant contribution to X-ray astronomy. The mission holds the potential to unlock new insights into the dynamics and characteristics of celestial objects, furthering our understanding of the broader cosmic landscape.