India Launched a Jan. 1 X-Ray Astronomy Satellite, Marking the First Space Launch of 2024
The satellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 9.10am local time on January 1, 2024 (10:40pm EST on Dec. 31st).
(Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh) The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched an X-ray astronomy satellite from its Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 9:10am local time on January 1 (10:40pm EST on Dec. 31); the polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) deployed its primary payload, the XPoSat spacecraft, into a 650-kilometer orbit approximately 22 minutes later.
Photo courtesy of the ISRO via SpaceNews: A PSLV rocket lifts off Jan. 1 carrying the XPoSat X-ray astronomy satellite.
The ~ 1,033 lb (469 kg) satellite carried two instruments to conduct X-ray polarimetry measurements; astronomers plan to use the data collected by XPoSat to study neutron stars, black holes and supernovae, according to SpaceNews.
The launch was the first of 2024, based on Universal Time. It comes after a record-setting 2023 with about 220 orbital launch attempts worldwide, according to SpaceNews. India conducted seven of those launches using the PSLV, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and Small Satellite Launch Vehicle, all of which were successful.
