Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has set off the new year with the successful launch of the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), marking a milestone in space exploration. The XPoSat mission aims to unravel the mysteries of the universe by studying black holes and neutron stars using X-ray waves. ISRO Chairman S Somanath congratulated the scientists for the successful execution of the launch.
This five-year mission will operate from Earth’s orbit. It positions Bharat as the second country in the world to launch such a venture. Only NASA has undertaken a similar mission in 2021.
In addition to XPoSat, ISRO launched 10 small satellites today, including the Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT). Developed by the students of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Technology for Women (LBSITW), Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, WESAT holds the distinction of being Bharat’s first satellite crafted entirely by women.
The WESAT project, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic period, was led by Dr. Lizy Abraham, an assistant professor at LBS Women’s Engineering College, in collaboration with the college’s space club. The project aims to explore the influence of ultraviolet radiation on climate change.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath announced 2024 as the year for Gaganyaan. The first human mission is scheduled for 2025, while the unmanned mission is set for this year. The Aditya L1 mission will reach Lagrange Point on January 6. Furthermore, preparations for the joint NASA-ISRO SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission, NISAR, are in their final stages, with a launch expected in the first half of 2024.
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