‘Exciting Time Ahead…’: ISRO Chief On ‘Successful’ XPoSat Launch

ISRO chairman S Somnath said that the launch of XPoSat was successful and that there will be many more launches.

ISRO launched the XPoSat on Monday ( Image Source :PTI )

The Indian Space Research Organisation ringed the new year with the successful launch of its maiden X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite that would offer several insights into celestial objects like black holes. Calling the mission a success, ISRO chairperson S Somnath said there will be many more launches this year. 

"On January 1, 2024, yet another successful mission of PSLV has been accomplished. PSLV-C58 has placed the primary satellite - XPoSat - in the intended orbit of 650 km with 6-degree inclination," Somnath said after the launch. 

"The new year has begun with the launch of the PSLV, and we will have an exciting time ahead," said the ISRO chief. 

VIDEO | "On January 1, 2024, yet another successful mission of PSLV has been accomplished. PSLV-C58 has placed the primary satellite - XPoSat - in the intended orbit of 650 km with 6-degree inclination," says ISRO chairperson S Somanath on launch of space agency's maiden X-Ray… pic.twitter.com/NXCOd2zD20

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 1, 2024

"This year has just begun, and we will have many more launches. Besides, 2024 is going to be the year of Mission Gaganyaan," he added. 

ISRO’s ever reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) placed the primary XPoSat into a 650-kilometre Low Earth Orbit as intended after lifting off at the pre-fixed time of 9.10 am from the first launch pad at Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota. 

The 44.4 metres tall rocket lifted off after a 25-hour countdown amid thunderous applause from spectators who had descended here in large numbers at this spaceport situated about 135 km east of Chennai.

According to the space agency, this is the first dedicated scientific satellite from the space agency to carry out research in space-based polarisation measurements of X-ray emission from celestial sources.

Polarimeter Instrument in X-Rays (POLIX), the primary payload of XPoSat has been designed to measure polarimetry parameters by Raman Research Institute and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) built by the U R Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru.