India set to launch EXPOSAT on 28th to explore space energy sources

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: India is gearing up for the launch of the EXPOSAT science satellite on December 28th aimed at exploring energy sources in space. This mission led by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) follows in the footsteps of successful ventures like Chandrayaan and Aditya missions. Notably, this marks the final launch of the year.

The EXPOSAT (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) will delve into approximately fifty celestial sources of energy, including supernovae, black holes, pulsars and cosmic X-rays. Equipped with two key instruments - POLYX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-Rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) - the satellite was jointly developed by the Raman Research Institute and UR Rao Satellite Center.

This groundbreaking mission aims to scrutinize cosmic X-rays directed towards Earth, examining their intensity, impact on our planet, alterations in the Earth's electric and magnetic fields, potential applications and their role in shaping the evolution of the universe.

The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikotta will ferry the 480 kg probe into an orbit positioned 650 km above Earth's surface. The mission duration spans five years, offering an extensive window for scientific exploration.