ISRO ASTROSAT Mission

ASTROSAT is a multi-wavelength astronomy observatory launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in September 2015. The primary goal of the mission is to study the universe in various wavelengths such as ultraviolet, X-ray, and optical, with the aim of understanding the evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.

What is ASTROSAT?

ASTROSAT is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory that observes the universe in the X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The observatory is equipped with five payloads, including a UV imaging telescope, soft X-ray imaging telescope, a hard X-ray detector, a large area X-ray proportional counter, and a Scanning Sky Monitor.

How does ASTROSAT work?

ASTROSAT operates in low-earth orbit, approximately 650 km above the earth's surface. The observatory is designed to observe the universe in various wavelengths, including ultraviolet, X-ray, and optical. It uses different instruments to capture data from these wavelengths and send it back to Earth for analysis.

Why is ASTROSAT important?

ASTROSAT is an important mission for the Indian space program as it allows scientists to study the universe in a new way. The observatory's primary goal is to provide a better understanding of the universe's evolution and its various components, including stars, galaxies, and black holes. The data collected by ASTROSAT is expected to help scientists answer some of the fundamental questions about the universe.

Cost of ASTROSAT:

The cost of the ASTROSAT mission was around 180 crores (US $25 million), which includes the spacecraft, instruments, and launch costs. The mission is considered to be relatively inexpensive compared to similar missions launched by other countries.

When was ASTROSAT launched?

ASTROSAT was launched on September 28, 2015, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India. It was launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-30.

Results of ASTROSAT:

Since its launch, ASTROSAT has made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. It has detected a wide range of celestial objects, including black holes, neutron stars, and galaxies. The observatory's UV imaging telescope has captured images of the brightest stars in the Milky Way, providing valuable information about their physical properties. ASTROSAT's X-ray telescope has detected a number of X-ray sources, including X-ray binaries and supernova remnants. The data collected by ASTROSAT is expected to provide valuable insights into the workings of the universe and help scientists understand its evolution better.

One of the notable discoveries made by ASTROSAT is the detection of a black hole binary system, known as MAXI J1820+070, which is located approximately 10,000 light-years away from Earth. The system was discovered by ASTROSAT's Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI) and was later observed by ground-based telescopes. The discovery has provided important insights into the behavior of black holes and their interactions with companion stars.

In addition to black holes, ASTROSAT has also observed several neutron stars, including a pulsating ultraluminous X-ray source known as NGC 5907 ULX. The observations have revealed new insights into the properties and behavior of these exotic objects. ASTROSAT has also detected a number of gamma-ray bursts, which are the most energetic events in the universe. These observations have helped scientists understand the nature of these explosions and their role in the evolution of the universe.

Overall, ASTROSAT has been a successful mission for the Indian space program and has made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. The data collected by the observatory is expected to continue to provide valuable insights into the workings of the universe for many years to come. The success of the ASTROSAT mission has also paved the way for future space observatories, both in India and around the world, and has demonstrated the potential for low-cost space missions to make significant scientific contributions.