PSLV-C58 / XPoSat Mission

ISRO PSLV-C58 / XPoSat Mission

• Launch Date & Time: January 01, 2024, 09:10 Hrs IST
• Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C58
• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
• Orbit: Eastward low-inclination orbit → later adjusted to 350 km circular orbit using PS4 (4th stage) for POEM-3 experiments

XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite)

• Significance: India’s first dedicated scientific satellite for space-based polarisation studies of X-rays.
• Platform: Modified from IMS-2 bus, with systems derived from IRS satellites heritage.
• Payloads:
  1. POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays):
     • Developed by Raman Research Institute (RRI)
     • Measures X-ray polarisation in 8–30 keV band through Thomson Scattering
     • Targets ~50 cosmic sources
  2. XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing):
     • Developed by Space Astronomy Group, URSC
     • Performs long-term spectral and temporal studies in 0.8–15 keV band
• Objective:
  • Study polarisation & spectroscopic properties of X-ray emissions from black holes, neutron stars, pulsars, and other cosmic sources.
  • Enable combined studies in overlapping energy bands using POLIX & XSPECT.

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3)

• Uses spent PS4 stage as an orbital platform.
• Maintains 3-axis stabilization.
• Carries 10 experimental payloads from ISRO & IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre).
• Demonstrates reusability of PSLV’s final stage for scientific & technology experiments.

Significance for India

• Strengthens India’s position in space-based astronomy.
• Enables indigenous X-ray polarimetry research, comparable to international observatories.
• Showcases dual-use of PSLV for space science + experimental technology validation (POEM-3).
  
  Updated - January 01, 2024  ; 10 : 30 PM | ISRO Official Website