January 2, 2024
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’s (PSLV) fourth stage will descend to a lower orbit 350 km from Earth, where the PSVL Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) will conduct experiments with nine onboard payloads
The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) module will test a fuel cell with potential applications in future Indian Space Station endeavours and other scenarios requiring onboard power generation
The Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT), developed by the LBS Institute of Technology for Women, aims to measure solar irradiance and the UV Index
Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX ) will measure polarimetry parameters in the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons from astronomical sources
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully placing the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) into orbit, positioned 650 km from Earth. This marks the commencement of a pioneering mission dedicated to studying astronomical X-ray sources and black holes.
The Satellite Director, Brindaban Mahto, highlighted that this mission is the first globally, specifically designed to investigate polarised X-ray sources. Notably, it is the second mission following a 2021 mission in the United States focused on polarisation studies.
ISRO Chairman Somanath S, emphasising the precision of the launch, said that the PSLV C-58 had successfully positioned the primary satellite, XPoSat, in the targeted circular orbit of 650 km with a 6-degree inclination.
Looking ahead, he detailed the plan for the PSLV’s fourth stage, which will descend to a lower orbit situated 350 km away from Earth. The POEM will conduct experiments in this lower orbit with nine onboard payloads. One noteworthy experiment involves testing a fuel cell, potentially applicable in future projects such as the Indian Space Station, where onboard power generation is crucial.
A notable payload on the POEM module is the WESAT, developed by the LBS Institute of Technology for Women in Thiruvananthapuram. WESAT’s objective is to measure solar irradiance and the UV Index.
Biswajit Paul, the principal investigator from the Raman Research Institute, shared that his team has been diligently working on one of the primary payloads since 2006. They anticipate receiving data from their POLIX instrument within a few days. POLIX, short for Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays, will measure the polarimetry parameters (degree and angle of polarisation) in the medium X-ray energy range of 8-30 keV photons originating from astronomical sources.
The overarching goal of the mission is to decode the remnants or corpses of dead stars. When massive stars exhaust their fuel and undergo gravitational collapse, they give rise to black holes or neutron stars. The mission aims to unravel the mysteries surrounding these stellar remnants, providing valuable insights into the aftermath of the demise of celestial bodies.
Source: Economic Times