ISRO launched an astronomy satellite in a PSLV mission on Jan. 1. Photo: ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched an astronomy satellite on a PSLV mission on Jan. 1. The PSLV-C58 mission launched the XPoSat — X-ray polarimeter satellite — into Eastward low inclination orbit. 

XPoSat  is the first dedicated scientific satellite from ISRO to research space-based polarization measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources. The satellite has two payloads: POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing). POLIX was built by the Raman Research Institute and XSPECT was built by the Space Astronomy Group of URSC.

After the mission, ISRO confirmed XPoSat’s health was normal. This mission was the 60th PSLV rocket launch.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the launch: “A great start to 2024 thanks to our scientists. This launch is wonderful news for the space sector and will enhance India’s prowess in this field.”