English

Astrosat

Topics

Introduction
Purpose and Research Goals
Instruments on Board
Achievements and Impact

Introduction:

In 2015, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Astrosat, India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory. It marked a significant milestone in Indian space science, showcasing the country’s ability to develop advanced technology for astronomical research.

Astrosat

Features and Design:

Multi-Wavelength Capability: Astrosat is unique because it carries telescopes and detectors that can observe the universe in multiple wavelengths—ultraviolet, visible, and X-rays—all on a single satellite.
Made in India: Most of the components and instruments used in Astrosat were developed domestically, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in space technology.

Purpose and Research Goals:

Astrosat is designed to study various aspects of the Universe, including

Star Formation and Evolution: By observing ultraviolet light, it studies the birth and lifecycle of stars.
X-ray Astronomy: Its X-ray telescopes detect high-energy radiation from black holes, neutron stars, and supernova remnants.
Galaxies and Cosmic Phenomena: Astrosat examines the structure and behaviour of galaxies, including interactions between stars and interstellar matter.
Time-Resolved Observations: It monitors dynamic events in space, like the variability of pulsars and binary star systems.

Instruments on Board:

Astrosat is equipped with

UVIT (Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope): Studies ultraviolet light from distant objects.
Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC): Detects low-energy X-rays for studying compact objects like black holes and neutron stars.
Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT): Focuses on high-resolution imaging of X-ray sources.
Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI): Captures high-energy X-rays and studies gamma-ray bursts.
Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM): Surveys the sky for transient X-ray sources.

Astrosat

Achievements and Impact:

Astrosat has provided valuable data on stellar evolution, galaxy clusters, and black holes.
Scientists from India and around the world use its data for research, enhancing international collaboration in space science.
As India’s first observatory-class satellite, Astrosat demonstrates the country’s capabilities in advanced space research.

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