India launches X ray satellite to study black holes, supernovas and more (video)

India sent its XPoSat X ray observatory into orbit on New Year's Day, in what was the first launch of 2024 worldwide. A Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at 9:10 a.m. Indian Standard Time on Jan. 1 (0340 GMT, or 10:40 p.m. EST on Dec. 31). The X ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) entered a 404 mile altitude (650 kilometers) orbit 22 minutes later, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Related: Facts about ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation The 1,034 pound (469 kilograms) XPoSat is India's first dedicated X ray astronomy satellite. The satellite carries two science instruments: the POLIX X ray polarimeter and XSPECT, the X ray SPECtroscopy and Timing payload. Data from XPoSat will be used to study cosmic phenomena such as neutron stars, black holes , active galactic nuclei and supernovae .

The satellite has a planned mission lifetime of five years. The fourth stage of the rocket that conducted the launch is also being used as an orbital platform and carries a number of payloads. The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module 3 (POEM 3) experiment carries 10 payloads, supplied by ISRO and IN SPACe, a government agency created to promote, permit and oversee private activities in the space sector.

These include experiments to test coatings made from the element tantalum, a green bipropellant cubesat propulsion unit, fuel cell tests and an interplanetary dust count measurement. — What is a supernova? — Images: Black holes of the universe — India sets sights on a moon base by 2047 POEM 3 was also lowered to an altitude of 217 miles (350 km) to responsibly reduce the stage's lifetime in orbit and decrease its potential to create debris in low Earth orbit .

India's space plans for 2024 include a number of test flights for its Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. A first crewed flight is currently expected in 2025..