Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

XPoSat

The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is an Indian space-based observatory developed by the to measure the polarization of cosmic from bright astronomical sources, marking the country's first dedicated mission in . Launched on January 1, 2024, aboard a from the , the 469 kg spacecraft was placed into a at approximately 650 km altitude with a 6° inclination. With a nominal mission lifespan of five years, XPoSat aims to provide insights into high-energy astrophysical processes, including the geometry of emission regions near black holes and the magnetic field configurations in extreme environments such as remnants and active galactic nuclei jets. XPoSat carries two primary scientific payloads: the Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) and the X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT) payload. POLIX, developed by the , operates in the 8–30 keV energy band using to measure the degree and angle of for about 50 bright sources, enabling studies of accretion dynamics around compact objects and in strong gravitational fields. Complementing this, XSPECT, built by the U. R. Rao Satellite Centre, functions in the softer 0.8–15 keV range to deliver high-resolution (better than 200 eV at 6 keV) and timing information, facilitating simultaneous multi-wavelength observations with missions like . Since its successful deployment, XPoSat has achieved key milestones, including polarization measurements from the and black hole binaries such as , contributing to global by filling a gap in medium-energy capabilities. As of November 2025, the mission remains fully operational, with data publicly available through 's Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) for international scientific collaboration. In October 2025, ISRO released the first tranche of scientific data from the mission to the public.

Mission Overview

Objectives

The primary objective of the XPoSat mission is to measure the degree and angle of emanating from approximately 50 bright astronomical sources, including binaries, neutron stars, and pulsars, within the energy band of 8-30 keV. This capability aims to probe the physical processes in these extreme environments by revealing the orientation and alignment of emissions. A secondary goal is to conduct simultaneous and timing observations in the 0.8-15 keV range, providing complementary data to the polarimetric measurements for a more complete analysis of source properties. These instruments, POLIX for and XSPECT for and timing, enable the mission to achieve these objectives through coordinated observations. Broader scientific aims include elucidating emission mechanisms, the of accretion disks, and the of in high-energy astrophysical phenomena, while facilitating long-term of source variability to track evolutionary changes. The mission is designed for a minimum operational duration of five years to support extended studies of these dynamic sources.

Spacecraft Design

The XPoSat spacecraft has an overall mass of 469 kg at launch. This configuration allows for efficient deployment in while accommodating the necessary subsystems for long-duration operations. The satellite is built on a modified IMS-2 bus platform, which provides a reliable architecture derived from ISRO's established heritage for scientific missions. Key features of the bus design include deployable solar panels capable of generating approximately 850 W of power to support all onboard systems, four reaction wheels for attitude control, and star trackers that enable precise pointing accuracy better than 1 arcmin. The power subsystem incorporates lithium-ion batteries for during periods, while thermal control is maintained through dedicated heaters to ensure instrument stability in varying orbital thermal environments. Additionally, specialized radiation shielding protects the X-ray-sensitive components from cosmic radiation effects. These elements collectively ensure robust performance in the demanding . Data handling is facilitated by an onboard storage capacity of 128 for science and housekeeping data, with telemetry transmitted via S-band at 2 kbps for command and monitoring, and high-rate science data downlinked through X-band at up to 8 Mbps during ground station passes. The attitude control strategy begins with spin stabilization immediately post-separation to provide initial stability, transitioning to three-axis stabilization using the reaction wheels and thrusters for fine pointing during targeted observations. This design supports the seamless operation of the POLIX and XSPECT payloads by maintaining optimal orientation and data integrity throughout the mission.

Development and Launch

Development History

The XPoSat mission originated from efforts by the (RRI) and ISRO's (URSC) to develop capabilities in X-ray polarimetry, with full-fledged project initiation occurring in 2015 through a formal agreement between ISRO and RRI. The proposal aimed to create India's first dedicated satellite for measuring X-ray polarization from cosmic sources, building on prior ground-based research in the field. In September 2017, ISRO formally approved the project and provided an initial grant of ₹95,000,000 to support early-phase activities, with the total mission budget allocated at approximately ₹250 (US$30 million). Key collaborators included RRI, which led the design and fabrication of the primary POLIX polarimeter payload, and URSC, responsible for the XSPECT spectroscopy and timing instrument as well as overall spacecraft integration. The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) contributed science support, facilitating proposal development, data analysis workshops, and user training for the mission's observational program. These partnerships leveraged expertise in X-ray instrumentation and astrophysics to address the technical demands of polarimetry in space. Development progressed through key milestones, including the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the and POLIX completed by September 2018, which validated the core architecture. Prototype testing and qualification model development followed from 2018 to 2020, focusing on instrument performance in the 8-30 keV energy range for POLIX. Integration of payloads with the occurred between 2021 and 2023, culminating in full assembly in 2022. Challenges in calibrating the POLIX scatterer for accurate polarization measurements were overcome using ground-based simulations and X-ray beam tests to model response and minimize systematic errors. Pre-launch preparations intensified in late 2023 at URSC, where the satellite underwent comprehensive vibration, acoustic, and thermal vacuum testing to simulate launch and orbital environments, confirming structural integrity and operational reliability prior to with the PSLV-C58 . These phases ensured the mission's readiness for deployment, marking a significant advancement in India's space-based capabilities.

Launch Sequence

The XPoSat mission lifted off on January 1, 2024, at 09:10 IST from the First Launch Pad at , , aboard the (PSLV-C58) in its DL configuration, featuring four solid strap-on boosters. The launch sequence proceeded nominally with the ignition of the PSLV's first stage at liftoff, providing initial ascent through its solid propellant core and strap-ons, reaching an altitude of approximately 24 km at strap-on separation after 70 seconds. Subsequent stages ignited sequentially: the second stage liquid engine propelled the vehicle beyond 100 km, the third stage solid motor extended the trajectory, and the fourth stage liquid engine performed the final burn, culminating in cutoff at T+1259 seconds at an altitude of 650 km and velocity of 7529 m/s. XPoSat, weighing 469 kg, separated from the fourth stage at T+1316 seconds (approximately 22 minutes after liftoff), achieving injection into a of 650 km altitude and 6° inclination. Following XPoSat's deployment, the fourth stage was maneuvered for the release of 10 co-passenger payloads under the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) initiative. The PSLV-C58 demonstrated high precision in payload injection, with orbital parameters deviating by only about 3 km from the targeted values, resulting in a near-circular suitable for the mission's observational requirements. Post-separation, XPoSat's solar arrays deployed successfully, enabling onboard power generation. signals were promptly acquired by ISRO's and tracking stations, with initial systems health checks confirming nominal performance across all subsystems within hours of launch.

Orbit and Operations

Orbital Configuration

XPoSat operates in a () at an altitude of approximately 650 km with a circular configuration and an inclination of 6° relative to the equator. This near-equatorial orbit was achieved following injection by the PSLV-C58 launch vehicle. The satellite maintains three-axis stabilization to enable precise pointing toward celestial X-ray sources. This configuration supports targeted observations lasting 30 to 90 minutes per orbital pass, during which the spacecraft rotates around its viewing axis at about 0.2 RPM to measure at varying azimuthal angles. Given its low-inclination , XPoSat transits the (SAA) approximately every , exposing it to elevated particle flux and radiation levels. To mitigate potential damage to sensitive detectors, both primary instruments—POLIX and XSPECT—are automatically shut off during SAA passages, limiting operational exposure while adhering to radiation dose constraints for long-term reliability. The is subject to gradual due to atmospheric , with the mission designed for a nominal lifetime of 5 years, after which natural is anticipated.

Mission Timeline

Following its launch on January 1, 2024, aboard the PSLV-C58 rocket from the , the XPoSat spacecraft entered its activation phase shortly thereafter. The XSPECT instrument was switched on January 2, 2024, initiating the Performance Verification (PV) phase, which included system checks, calibration validation, and initial pointing tests. First source observations by XSPECT began on January 5, 2024, targeting Cassiopeia-A, followed by additional PV-phase observations of sources like , the , and GX 301-2. The POLIX instrument underwent similar commissioning, with its first pointing tests and observations of the conducted between January 15 and 18, 2024, completing the initial activation and commissioning by mid-January. Routine scientific operations commenced in February 2024, following the successful phase, with both instruments fully activated for ongoing data collection. The first year of operations emphasized observations of priority sources, enabling detailed and studies of bright emitters. Approximately 60% of the observing time was allocated to guest observers through the Announcement of Opportunity () process, primarily for XSPECT-based proposals, fostering broader scientific participation from the community. A key milestone occurred on October 13, 2025, when released the first public datasets from the mission, totaling 143 GB, during a national meet organized to share scientific data and tools via the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) portal. On the same day, the first AO cycle was announced, inviting proposals from Indian scientists for XSPECT observations, with submissions due by November 30, 2025, to be evaluated by the XPoSat Time Allocation Committee (XTAC). The nominal mission duration is five years, with potential extensions beyond this period contingent on remaining fuel reserves, and plans for additional AO cycles to sustain long-term observations.

Instruments

POLIX

The POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) is a Thomson scattering-based polarimeter designed to measure the degree and angle of polarization from cosmic sources in the 8–30 keV energy band. The instrument features a central low-Z scatterer made of lithium-loaded or , surrounded by four position-sensitive multi-wire proportional counters to detect scattered photons preferentially perpendicular to the incident polarization direction. Each detector consists of 12 anode cells for azimuthal localization and operates with a gas mixture of 90% , 9% , and 1% at 800 , providing position resolution of approximately 2 cm via charge division. A limits the field of view to 3° × 3° to reduce off-axis background while maintaining sensitivity to point sources. Prior to integration, POLIX underwent comprehensive ground calibration at the using polarized beams from laboratory sources to verify its polarimetric response. Spectral calibration employed radioactive isotopes such as ^{55} (emitting at 6 keV with ~25% FWHM resolution) and ^{109}Cd (22.1 keV line with ~30% FWHM), confirming energy-dependent performance across the band. The modulation factor, quantifying the instrument's ability to distinguish polarized signals, was measured at ~40% at 10 keV, with additional validation through simulations mimicking scatterer rotation to account for the satellite's spin-induced modulation. These tests ensured accurate reconstruction of polarization parameters without on-orbit adjustments. During operations, POLIX collects scattered photon events over extended pointings spanning multiple orbits to accumulate sufficient statistics for polarization analysis, as the technique demands high flux for reliable measurements. The satellite's rotation at ~0.2 rpm around the boresight axis effectively modulates the scattering geometry, enabling phase-resolved polarimetry. Background is mitigated via integrated veto layers in the detectors for anti-coincidence rejection of charged particles and cosmic rays, achieving low noise levels suitable for faint sources. The effective collecting area is ~640 cm² at nominal energies around 15 keV, supporting efficient photon gathering within the constrained field of view. POLIX demonstrates strong performance for bright X-ray sources, with sensitivity to detect degrees of ~5% in approximately 3 days of observation for Crab-like objects (flux ~1 in the 8–30 keV band), based on minimum detectable calculations for exposures around 250 ks. This capability stems from the instrument's optimized and low background, allowing robust mapping of variations. POLIX contributes directly to the mission's goal of elucidating emission geometries in accreting systems by providing simultaneous polarimetric data.

XSPECT

The XSPECT ( and Timing) instrument on XPoSat is designed for non-imaging and timing observations in the soft band, utilizing an array of 16 swept charge devices (SCDs) as detectors behind co-aligned collimators. The SCDs, each with a geometric area of approximately 4 cm², are grouped into four quad modules to provide a total effective collecting area exceeding 30 cm² at 6 keV, enabling measurements across an energy range of 0.8–15 keV with a timing of ~2 . The collimators include seven units with a 3° × 3° and eight with a 2° × 2° , ensuring alignment with the spacecraft's pointing axis for targeted source observations. In-flight calibration of XSPECT was performed shortly after launch, with verification observations of the conducted in January 2024 to confirm its performance parameters. These tests yielded an energy resolution better than 200 eV at 6 keV and an effective area of approximately 40 cm² at lower energies, aligning closely with pre-launch ground calibrations that anticipated better than 200 eV resolution at 6 keV. As of October 2025, in-flight performance remains consistent with specifications following data release. XSPECT operates in tandem with the POLIX instrument, providing simultaneous soft data that complements measurements for multi-faceted source analysis. It supports extended monitoring campaigns, with exposure times up to 1 , facilitating detailed fitting to model emission features and the generation of high-time-resolution light curves for variability studies. The instrument's design ensures pile-up-free operation for source fluxes up to 1 unit, allowing reliable of bright X-ray emitters without distortion from event overlap. XSPECT is capable of detecting key emission lines, such as the iron K-alpha line at 6.4 keV, which is crucial for probing conditions in astrophysical environments like accretion disks and remnants.

Scientific Observations

Initial Observations

Following the successful launch and initial commissioning phase, the XSPECT instrument on XPoSat achieved first light by observing the on January 5, 2024. This performance verification observation, conducted over multiple orbits with a total integration time of 20 kiloseconds, detected prominent emission lines in the spectrum from elements including magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and iron (Fe). The data also captured contributions from the Galactic cosmic ray background and cosmic background above 8 keV, validating XSPECT's spectroscopic capabilities in the 0.8–15 keV energy range. Commissioning of the POLIX instrument proceeded with initial polarization scans centered on the starting around January 10, 2024, and extending through observations from January 15–18, 2024. These scans produced a pulse profile matching expected characteristics, thereby confirming the instrument's baseline performance for in the 8–30 keV band without significant deviations. In the ensuing first year, XPoSat targeted approximately 10 bright sources selected for early observations, encompassing categories such as binaries, pulsars, low-mass binaries, and isolated stars. Observations employed a pointing mode with 30–60 minute exposures per orbit, accumulated during the satellite's transit through to minimize solar interference. Initial datasets from these observations were processed for instrument calibration, yielding high-quality spectra and polarimetric profiles suitable for scientific analysis. No major anomalies were reported in the payload operations or data telemetry during this phase.

Key Results

XSPECT observations identified a thermonuclear burst from 4U 1608-52 on March 19, 2025, characterized by a Type-I burst duration of about 15–20 seconds, followed approximately 16 minutes later by a superburst lasting roughly 3 hours. This event offers insights into nuclear ignition on the surface, with the burst's properties indicating rapid energy release from accumulated accreted material. In its first year of operations, XPoSat conducted observations of approximately 10 diverse high-energy sources, uncovering significant variability patterns in low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs). No observations were performed, as the focuses exclusively on galactic and extragalactic cosmic X-ray sources. These studies enhance understanding of wind accretion dynamics and transient behaviors in compact object systems. On October 13, 2025, publicly released 143 GB of mission data, facilitating broader community analysis and future discoveries in high-energy .

References

  1. [1]
    XPoSat - ISRO
    Jan 20, 2025 · XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) is India's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme ...
  2. [2]
    XPoSat - HEASARC
    Aug 25, 2025 · The X-ray Polarimetry Satellite (XPoSat) mission was launched on January 1, 2024 on the ISRO's PSLV rocket from India's Satish Dhawan Space ...
  3. [3]
    XSPECT payload on XpoSat - URSC
    Jan 9, 2024 · XSPECT payload operates in the soft X-ray band of 0.8 keV – 15 keV with good spectroscopic resolution (< 200 eV at 6 keV)and moderate timing ...
  4. [4]
    XPoSat - ISSDC
    XPoSat. XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) is India's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study various dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources ...
  5. [5]
    XPoSat: India's X-Ray Polarimetry Mission - ISRO
    Nov 29, 2023 · The mission objectives include (i) measurement of X-Ray polarization in the energy band of 8-30 keV emanated from X-Ray sources, (ii) long ...
  6. [6]
    [PDF] PSLV-C58 - Revised XPOSAT Mission Brochure.cdr - ISRO
    ISRO's PSLV-C58 Mission is to launch XPOSAT Satellite into an Eastward low inclination orbit. After injection of XPOSAT, the PS4 stage will be re-started twice ...
  7. [7]
    PSLV-C58 / XPoSat Mission - ISRO
    Jan 20, 2025 · After injection of XPOSAT, the PS4 stage will be re-started twice to reduce the orbit into 350 km circular orbit to maintain in 3-axis ...
  8. [8]
    XPoSat - Gunter's Space Page
    Jun 1, 2025 · XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter SATellite) is ISRO's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study the polarisation of cosmic X-rays.
  9. [9]
    XPoSat | PSLV-DL - Everyday Astronaut
    Dec 30, 2023 · XPoSat | PSLV-DL ; 480 kg (~1,060 lb) · A circular low-Earth orbit at 650 km (~400 mi) in altitude, and 6 degrees of inclination · No. The PSLV ...
  10. [10]
    XPoSat - X-ray Polarimeter Satellite - GeeksforGeeks
    Mar 7, 2024 · In 2015 the full-fledged development started with a formal agreement between ISRO and a Bengaluru-based research institute. Here are the details ...Missing: history IUCAA Rutherford Appleton budget milestones
  11. [11]
    ISRO sets to launch X-ray Polarimeter satellite this month - Mint
    Dec 7, 2023 · ISRO began working on the XPoSat project in September 2017 with a grant of ₹95,000,000. The team developed Preliminary Design Review (PDR) ...
  12. [12]
    XPoSat launch: 7 things to know about Isro's mission to study black ...
    Jan 1, 2024 · 7) Isro spent Rs 250 crore (approximately $30 million) on the XPoSat satellite. The NASA IXPE, which has been conducting a similar mission ...
  13. [13]
    ISRO organises XPoSat National Meet and Opens up the Scientific ...
    Oct 13, 2025 · On October 13, 2025, ISRO organised a National Meet on XPoSat mission and released the scientific data from the mission to the scientific ...Missing: mass pointing
  14. [14]
    Workshops | ASTROSAT SCIENCE SUPPORT CELL - IUCAA
    Past Workshops & Meetings. AstroSat & XPOSAT Data Analysis (June 2025). AstroSat Science Support Cell (ASSC), IUCAA and Providence Women's College, ...
  15. [15]
    Tests, calibration and simulations of the X-ray polarimeter POLIX
    POLIX is a Thomson scattering X-ray polarimeter on the XPoSat mission, studying cosmic X-ray polarization using anisotropic scattering in the 8-30 keV range.Missing: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
  16. [16]
    Milestones - URSC
    Milestones ; 2024 · 01st Jan, XPoSat satellite is launched successfully ; 2023, 02nd Sep, The Launch of Aditya-L1 by PSLV-C57 accomplished successfully ; 2023 · 23rd ...
  17. [17]
    POEM-3 Mission achieves all its Payload objectives - ISRO
    Jan 28, 2024 · ... PSLV-C58 vehicle that launched XPoSat on January 1, 2024, has successfully achieved all its objectives. After deploying the satellite into ...Missing: press | Show results with:press<|control11|><|separator|>
  18. [18]
    ISRO launches 'Gaganyaan year' with XPoSat, India's eye in deep ...
    Jan 1, 2024 · “On 1st January 2024 yet another successful mission of the PSLV has been accomplished. PSLV C58 has placed the primary satellite XPoSat in the ...
  19. [19]
    PSLV-C58 XPoSat: Why did ISRO launch X-Ray polarimetre satellite ...
    Dec 31, 2023 · PSLV-C58 has placed the primary satellite XPoSat in the ... solar panel of the satellite has been deployed successfully," Somanath said.
  20. [20]
    India kicks off 2024 with X-ray astronomy satellite launch
    Dec 31, 2023 · Monday's launch targeted a near-equatorial low-Earth orbit at an altitude of about 650 kilometers and an inclination of six degrees for the ...
  21. [21]
    [PDF] 30May2025. - STAR - SpaceOps
    Both XSPECT and POLIX payloads remain continuously operational, with the exception of periods when XPoSat transits through the South Atlantic Anomaly. (SAA) ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  22. [22]
    [2506.09918] XSPECT on-board XPoSat: Calibration and First Results
    Jun 11, 2025 · In this paper, we describe the calibration of XSPECT instrument in detail, including some initial results derived from its data to establish its capabilities.Missing: scatterer challenges
  23. [23]
    POLIX onboard XPoSat commences its observations - ISRO
    Feb 13, 2024 · A pulse profile of the Crab pulsar is generated from the observations carried out by POLIX during January 15-18, 2024. The Crab pulsar, a ...Missing: pass | Show results with:pass
  24. [24]
    [PDF] X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) Announcement of Opportunity ...
    The. XPoSat provides a space astronomy observatory operated by the Indian Space. Research Organisation (ISRO). The spacecraft is at 650 km near-equatorial orbit ...
  25. [25]
    Isro opens XPoSat observatory to Indian scientists - The Times of India
    Oct 13, 2025 · Launched on January 1, 2024, aboard the PSLV C-58 rocket from Sriharikota, XPoSat is India's first dedicated X-ray polarimetry mission designed ...
  26. [26]
  27. [27]
    polix - rri.res.in
    The instrument is made with a Lithium/Beryllium scatterer and surrounding proportional counter detectors and it is sensitive in the 5-30 keV energy band.
  28. [28]
    [PDF] DETECTOR DEVELOPMENT FOR X-Ray POLARIMETER
    POLIX instrument configuration and design considerations: There are four different ways in which polarisation can be measured in the X-ray band, Bragg.
  29. [29]
    X-Ray spectroscopy and timing (XSPECT) experiment on XPoSat
    May 26, 2025 · The instrument was designed, tested and calibrated on ground. The unique opportunity is provided by ISRO's XPoSat mission, where a source is ...
  30. [30]
    XSPECT payload performance verified with Cas A observation - ISRO
    Jan 10, 2024 · January 11, 2024. The XSPECT payload on XPoSat, India's first X-ray polarimetric mission, has captured its first light from the Cassiopeia A ...
  31. [31]
    XSPECT/XPoSat detection of a thermonuclear 'burst ... - URSC
    At a critical temperature and Helium (He) mass, it ignites explosively giving rise to a thermonuclear flash, which is detected as an X-ray burst ...Missing: Aql | Show results with:Aql