The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) started the new year with an amazing announcement. It launched a space mission to study black holes. The space agency sent a satellite to observe these phenomena by detecting their X-rays. ISRO chair Sreedhara Panicker Somanath describes the launch as a “New Year gift to all of us.”
Most pledge New Year’s resolutions whenever the 1st of January draws closer. However, committing to them takes true dedication and determination once the date comes. India sets an example by starting 2024 with a bang from its satellite rocket launch. Soon, we will look up as it shares more discoveries as it observes the stars.
This article will discuss the Indian space mission to research black holes. Later, I will share more of the latest interstellar projects.
How will this Indian space mission work?
The Indian Space Research Organization launched its X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite on January 1 using the PSLV-C58 rocket. The latter would carry the XpoSat and 10 other low-orbit satellites.
The XPoSat will investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources in spaces. The ISRO says it is the first dedicated scientific satellite from the ISRO to research such space-based polarization measurements.
Times Of India says it carries two payloads: Polix (Polarimeter instrument in X-rays) and Xspect (X-ray spectroscopy and timing). Also, the XpoSat is the second X-ray polarimetry mission in the world.
The first is NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) launched in 2021. Nevertheless, the ISRO chairman, S Somanath, praised its launch as a “New Year gift to all of us.”
“The satellite is unique. It complements the scientific objective we have set for various observations of the Universe,” he added. Also, Somanath called 2024 the year of Gaganyaan readiness.
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The space agency’s human spaceflight project will send Indian astronauts to the Moon and Mars. The ISRO aims to launch at least 12 to 14 missions this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the Indian space mission on the X social media platform. “A great start to 2024, thanks to our scientists,” he tweeted.
“This launch is wonderful news for the space sector and will enhance India’s prowess in this field. Best wishes to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity in taking India to unprecedented heights,” he added.
What are India’s other space projects?
India made history last year after it became the fourth country to land on the Moon. On October 22, 2023, its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft marked the first time the country “touched” the lunar satellite.
Funnily enough, calling India’s Moon lander the “Chandrayaan spacecraft” is redundant. The term Chandrayaan is Sanskrit for “spacecraft,” so it sounds like saying “spacecraft spacecraft.”
Its Chandrayaan-1 craft entered a high elliptical orbit around Earth. “After 21 days, Chandrayaan-1 dropped into an elliptical orbit around the Moon, where it was 500 km from the Moon at the closest point and 10,000 km away at the farthest,” ISRO chair G Madhavan Nair said.
India plans to launch its Vyommitra humanoid robot into space this year. The India Space Research Organization designed the robot to float in microgravity and to interact with the Gaganyaan spacecraft and its crew.
The bot will switch panel operations and monitor module parameters. Also, it looks like a human female. Its name, “Vyommitra,” is a portmanteau of the Indian words “Vyoma,” which means “space,” and “Mitra,” which means “friend.”
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On January 22, 2020, the robot debuted at the Human Spaceflight and Exploration Symposium in Bengaluru. Three years later, the Union Minister of State for Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, posted on his X account that Vyommitra will join the ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission.
Vyommitra’s role is to collect data and test equipment so that the human astronauts can complete their mission safely. Also, it has these other benefits:
- Vyommitra can test the systems and procedures that the manned mission will use in a safe and controlled environment.
- Also, the robot will gather data on the effects of space travel on humans. As a result, it could improve the safety of future manned space missions.
- More importantly, Vyommitra will help raise awareness of India’s space program and inspire younger generations to pursue careers in science and technology.
Conclusion
India launched a space mission to learn more about black holes. Its X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite will research these heavenly bodies by observing their X-rays.
This Indian space mission will highlight the country’s scientific prowess and expand our understanding of the universe. More importantly, it is an inspiring start to 2024!
Learn more about the Indian black hole research on the ISRO website. Moreover, check out the latest digital tips and trends at Inquirer Tech.