India's Astrosat, launched in 2015, completes 10 years, studying celestial phenomena across X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical wavelengths, establishing India's space science leadership and fostering global collaboration.

Why in the News?

India's first dedicated space observatory, AstroSat, has completed 10 years since its launch.

About Astrosat

A labeled diagram of India's Astrosat spacecraft showing its major scientific instruments on the satellite body. The image points out the Large Area X-Ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) on the top, the Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) beside it, the Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI) on one side, the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT) on the front, and the Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM) near the bottom. The spacecraft has extended solar panels on both sides.

Objective: India's first dedicated astronomy mission, designed to study celestial objects across X-ray, ultraviolet, and optical wavelengths simultaneously, offering a holistic view of cosmic phenomena.
Launch: Launched on September 28, 2015, aboard PSLV-C30 from Sriharikota.
Orbit: Placed in a low Earth orbit at 650 km altitude for a minimum lifespan of 5 years.
Spectral Range: The mission spans a broad energy band from 0.3 keV to 100 keV, covering near and far UV regions, enabling exploration of both high-energy and faint astronomical sources.

Scientific Objectives of AstroSat

Study High-Energy Phenomena: To understand high-energy processes in binary star systems containing neutron stars and black holes, offering insights into extreme cosmic environments.
Measure Magnetic Fields: To estimate the magnetic fields of neutron stars, aiding in the study of their structure and evolution.
Explore Star Formation: To study star birth regions and high-energy activities in star systems beyond our galaxy, expanding the understanding of galactic evolution.
Detect Transient X-ray Sources: To identify new, short-lived X-ray sources, helping track sudden cosmic events.
Ultraviolet Universe Survey: To conduct a limited deep-field survey of the universe in the ultraviolet spectrum, enhancing data on distant and faint celestial bodies.

Other Space and Ground observatories of India

XPoSat: First dedicated satellite from ISRO to carry out research and measure X-ray emission from celestial sources.
Aditya-L1: Launched in September 2023, India's first solar mission orbits the Sun-Earth L1 point for continuous solar observation.
Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle (Ladakh): it hosts optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes for astronomical and atmospheric studies.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (Tamil Nadu): One of India's oldest solar observatories, known for long-term solar observations.

Significance for India

Scientific Leadership: Established India as a global leader in multi-wavelength astronomy (Satellites capable of simultaneous X-ray, UV, and optical observations).
Indigenous Capability: Showcased India's ability to design and operate a complex space observatory.
Research and Academic Growth: Enabled frontline research in astrophysics across India.
Global Collaboration: Enhancing India's scientific reputation and fostering international partnerships in astronomy.

AstroSat marks a milestone in India's space research, deepening multi-wavelength astronomy and strengthening global scientific collaboration while reflecting the nation's growing self-reliance in space science.