XPOSAT MISSION
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is likely to usher in the New Year, with the launch of its first polarimetry mission XPoSat likely on January 1, according to persons in the know of the matter. It will become the country’s third space-based observatory after the recently launched solar mission Aditya-L1 and AstroSat launched in 2015.
2. What is India’s first polarimetry mission?
India's first polarimetry mission is called XPoSat, which stands for X-ray Polarimeter Satellite. It is a significant accomplishment for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is the world's second space mission dedicated to measuring the polarization of light, following NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) launched in 2021.
3. What is the XPoSat mission?
XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) is India's first dedicated polarimetry mission, scheduled to launch in 2024 aboard a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Its primary objective is to study the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions, such as:
- Black holes are incredibly massive objects that warp spacetime and have immense gravitational pulls.
- Neutron stars are incredibly dense remnants of collapsed stars that spin at incredibly fast rates and have powerful magnetic fields.
- Active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are the incredibly bright cores of galaxies, powered by supermassive black holes.
- Pulsar wind nebulae are clouds of gas and plasma ejected by pulsars, rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit beams of radiation.
How XPoSat work?
The satellite carries two scientific payloads
- POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays): This instrument measures the degree and angle of polarization of X-rays from celestial sources. X-ray polarization reveals the geometry and magnetic field properties of the source, providing valuable insights into its inner workings.
- XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing): This instrument gathers spectroscopic information within a different energy range, complementing POLIX data and offering a more comprehensive understanding of the source.
Benefits of XPoSat
By studying the polarization of X-rays, XPoSat will:
- Unravel the mysteries of extreme environments: It will provide new insights into the physical processes occurring near black holes, neutron stars, and AGNs.
- Probe the nature of magnetic fields: X-ray polarization is sensitive to magnetic fields, allowing XPoSat to map and characterize these fields in extreme environments.
- Advance our understanding of particle acceleration: X-ray polarization can trace the paths of high-energy particles ejected from these objects, helping us understand how they are accelerated to such immense speeds.
- Contribute to the field of astrophysics: The mission's findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of the universe's most energetic and fascinating objects.
4. What are X-rays?
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, like visible light, but with much shorter wavelengths and higher energy. Imagine light on a spectrum, with radio waves at one end and gamma rays at the other. X-rays occupy a middle ground, roughly between ultraviolet light and gamma rays.
- Penetrating power: X-rays can pass through some materials, like bones and tissues, but not others, like metals and lead. This property is why they're used in medical imaging, revealing internal structures while leaving flesh mostly transparent.
- High energy: X-rays pack a punch! Their high energy allows them to interact with matter in unique ways, causing electrons to jump to higher energy levels or even be ejected from atoms. This interaction is crucial for capturing X-ray images and studying the universe's most energetic phenomena.
While our atmosphere blocks X-rays from reaching Earth's surface, they abound in the vast expanse of space. Here are some ways we witness these cosmic X-rays:
- Stars and Stellar Remnants: Our own Sun emits X-rays, and much more energetic ones come from stars many times hotter and larger. Supernovae, the explosive deaths of massive stars, and black holes, the ultimate gravitational behemoths, are major sources of X-rays in the universe.
- Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs): These incredibly bright centres of galaxies, powered by supermassive black holes, generate intense X-ray radiation as matter falls into the black hole's gravitational maw.
- Clusters of Galaxies: Where massive galaxies gather, hot gas between them can reach millions of degrees, emitting X-rays that reveal the structure and dynamics of these galactic clusters.
Observing X-rays in space is crucial for understanding various cosmic phenomena:
- Studying extreme environments: X-rays tell us about the hot, dense regions around black holes, neutron stars, and AGNs, where matter behaves in exotic ways.
- Mapping the universe: By analyzing X-ray emissions from different celestial objects, astronomers can map the large-scale structure of the universe and trace the evolution of galaxies and clusters.
- Understanding cosmic processes: X-rays reveal how stars form and die, how black holes feed and grow, and how galaxies interact with each other.
To witness these celestial X-rays, special telescopes are needed. Unlike optical telescopes that capture visible light, X-ray telescopes have detectors sensitive to X-ray wavelengths. Some are positioned above Earth's atmosphere in satellites, like the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the XMM-Newton, while others are balloons or sounding rockets that briefly reach high altitudes.
5. About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India, established in 1969. It stands as a beacon of innovation and progress, propelling India into the elite club of nations with advanced spacefaring capabilities. Let's delve into its vibrant history, remarkable achievements, and exciting upcoming missions.
Background
- Vision: "To harness the potential of space technology for national development and to use space for the benefit of humanity."
- Mission: "To advance space science and technology, develop application missions for socio-economic benefits, explore the universe and planetary bodies, and promote international cooperation in space activities."
- Key areas of focus: Satellite technology, launch vehicle technology, space science and exploration, and space applications.
Achievements
- One of the six largest space agencies in the world: Possesses full launch capabilities, operates a large fleet of satellites, deploys cryogenic engines, and carries out extraterrestrial missions.
- Over 100 successful satellite launches: Spanning communication, navigation, earth observation, and scientific satellites.
- Development of advanced launch vehicles: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) have placed numerous satellites in orbit.
- Chandrayaan-1 lunar probe: India's first lunar mission, making significant discoveries about the lunar surface.
- Mangalyaan-1 Mars orbiter mission: A historic milestone, making India the first Asian nation to reach Mars.
- International collaborations: Partnering with other space agencies on projects like the Mars Orbiter Mission (with NASA) and Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission (with Japan).
Impact on India
- Technological advancements: Spurred progress in electronics, materials science, and robotics.
- Improved communication infrastructure: Communication satellites connect remote areas, bridging the digital divide.
- Enhanced disaster management: Earth observation satellites provide real-time data for monitoring natural disasters and coordinating relief efforts.
- Economic growth: Space technology applications create jobs and boost sectors like agriculture and healthcare.
Upcoming Missions
- Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission: Scheduled for launch in 2024, aiming to land a rover on the Moon's south polar region.
- Missions to Mars and Venus: Exploring the feasibility of future missions to these planets.
- Development of reusable launch vehicles: Reducing the cost of space missions and making them more sustainable.
- Continued research and development in space science and technology: Furthering India's spacefaring capabilities and contributing to global scientific understanding.
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For Prelims: Indian Space Research Organisation, polarimetry mission, XPoSat, Aditya-L1, AstroSat, Black holes, Neutron stars, Active galactic nuclei (AGNs), Pulsar wind nebulae, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), Chandrayaan-2 lunar mission, For Mains:
1. Analyze the potential benefits of XPoSat in advancing our understanding of extreme environments in space. (250 Words)
2. Explore the potential contributions of future Mars and Venus missions to India's space exploration endeavours. (250 Words)
3. Discuss the impact of ISRO on India's technological advancements, communication infrastructure, and disaster management. (250 Words)
4. Discuss the importance of studying X-rays in space and how they contribute to our understanding of cosmic phenomena. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. In the context of space technology, what is "Bhuvan", recently in the news? (UPSC 2010)
A. A mini satellite, launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
B. The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II
C. A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India
D. A space telescope developed by India
2. What will be India's second moon mission by ISRO? (Maharashtra Talathi 2019) A. Chandrayaan 1 B. Chandrayaan 1.A C. Chandrayaan 2 D. Chandrayaan 3
3. Chandrayaan - 2 was launched from which of the following states by ISRO? (DSSSB LDC 2019) A. Maharashtra B. Rajasthan C. Kerala D. Andhra Pradesh
4. The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true? (CTET 2022)
A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon
B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon.
E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth
A. A, B B. B, C C. C, D D. A, E
5. ISRO is related to: (SSC JE EE 2020) A. space research B. agricultural research C. seed research D. marine research 6. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (UPSC 2020) A. Voyager-2 B. New Horizons C. LISA Pathfinder D. Evolved LISA 7. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 2 D. 3 only
8. ‘Black hole’ is a (NDA 2019) (UPPSC 2019)
A. huge black star which has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface
B. star which has moderate acceleration due to gravity on its surface
C. star which has collapsed into itself and has large acceleration due to gravity on its surface
D. star which has collapsed into itself and has zero acceleration due to gravity on its surface
9. Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched? (UPSC 2014) Spacecraft Purpose
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
10. Aditya L1 is a ______. (ISRO IPRC Technical Assistant Mechanical 2016)
A. Long-range missile
B. Rocket to moon
C. Spacecraft project
D. Light combat aircraft
11. With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
12. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (UPSC 2022)
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
B. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
C. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
13. A spinning neutron star emits radio-wave and is called (Maha TAIT 2017)
A. Supernova B. Pulsar C. White dwarf D. Protostar
14. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2023)
Objects in space Description
(1) Cepheids Giant clouds of dust and gas in space
(2) Nebulae Stars which brighten and dim periodically
(3) Pulsars Neutron stars that are formed when massive stars run out of fuel and collapse
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
A. Only one B. Only two C. All three D. None
Answers: 1-C, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A, 5-A, 6-D, 7-A, 8-C, 9-B, 10-C, 11-D, 12-C, 13-B, 14-A
Mains
1. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions, both in terms of technology and logistics. Explain critically (UPSC 2017) 2. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC 2016) |
