The Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO marked the beginning of 2024 with the successful launch of its first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The PSLV-C58 rocket, on its 60th mission, carried the primary payload, XPoSat, deploying it into the intended 650km orbit. The space agency later shared a video showing glimpse of the satellite’s orbital insertion.

Also read: ISRO lowers PSLV-C58 spent stage. Why it’s vital for Indian space station dream?

How significant is the XPoSat mission?

With the launch of dedicated polarimetry mission, India is the second country, next to the US, to try find characteristics of celestial bodies from knowing the direction of the vibration of the incoming waves.

It will help understand emission mechanism from various astronomical sources such as blackhole, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae etc. that originates from complex physical processes.

12 months, 12 launches: ISRO chief Somanath bold plan

Addressing the press after the successful launch, ISRO chairperson S Somnath said: “Only in 12 months (in 2024), we have to have a minimum of 12 missions on our target. It may exceed depending upon our ability to produce hardware, complete the testing and if things go well. If it is not going well, there could be an impact. Otherwise, we are getting ready for at least 12-14 missions…”

He also said that India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, launched on September 2, is scheduled for its final manoeuver to reach its intended destination, the L1 point, on January 6.

Read in detail: ISRO chief says Aditya-L1 set to reach its final destination on Jan 6

Regarding the Gaganyaan mission, he said that at least two more abort missions would be conducted, with one unmanned mission, though the aim is to perform two. Additionally, there will be parachute drop tests and hundreds of valuation tests before the actual launch in 2025.

Also read- ISRO working on multiple targets but Gaganyaan is its immediate priority: S Somanath

“2024 is going to be the year for Gaganyaan readiness…Along with that, we will have a helicopter-based drop test to prove the parachute systems; there will be multiple drop tests. We also will have many hundreds of valuation tests. So it is going to be a Gaganyaan year,” ISRO chief added.

(Inputs from ANI)