India achieved a significant milestone in space exploration on Monday with the launch of its first satellite dedicated to studying black holes. The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), places India as the second country, after NASA’s similar mission in 2021, to investigate black holes and celestial objects using an astronomical space observatory.
Black holes, characterized by an enormous amount of matter densely packed into a small area, are formed from the remnants of large stars that collapse in supernova explosions. Due to their intense gravitational pull, black holes are challenging to detect as they prevent light from passing through.
The launch is a part of India’s broader space exploration objectives, which include sending three astronauts into low-Earth orbit and safely bringing them back after a three-day mission. If successful, India would become the fourth country to conduct manned space missions, joining Russia, the US, and China in this exclusive group.
ISRO chairperson S. Somanath stated that 2024 is the targeted year for the readiness of the Gaganyaan project, India’s ambitious manned space mission. The country has been making significant strides in space exploration, including landing a spacecraft on the Moon’s south pole in August and launching a rocket to study the Sun in September.
India’s future space goals also include sending an astronaut to the Moon by 2040. The successful launch of the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite adds another dimension to India’s growing expertise in space research and contributes to its position as a key player in the global space community.
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