Isro opens XPoSat observatory to Indian scientists

Isro opens XPoSat observatory to Indian scientists

BENGALURU: Isro on Monday introduced the primary Announcement of Opportunity (AO) cycle for its X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), inviting Indian scientists and researchers to submit proposals for observations utilizing the space-based observatory.Launched on January 1, 2024, aboard the PSLV C-58 rocket from Sriharikota, XPoSat is India’s first devoted X-ray polarimetry mission designed to examine astronomical sources underneath excessive situations. The satellite tv for pc operates in a 650-kilometre near-equatorial orbit and carries two scientific payloads.“For this inaugural cycle, Isro is allocating 60% of the observatory’s time exclusively to Indian researchers for proposals using the XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing) payload, which captures spectroscopic and timing data in the 0.8-15 keV energy range. Observations are scheduled to run from Jan through Dec 2026,” the house company stated.This opens up vital alternatives for the Indian astronomy neighborhood to conduct cutting-edge analysis utilizing world-class house infrastructure, as per Isro’s Science Programme Office.Eligible candidates embrace Indian scientists and researchers working at establishments, universities, and faculties throughout India who’re concerned in astronomy analysis. Principal investigators (PIs) should display the technical functionality to analyse information if their proposals are authorized.Researchers can submit proposals by the XPoSat Proposal Processing System (XPPS) on the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) web site. The deadline for submissions is Nov 30, 2025.Selected proposals can be reviewed by the XPoSat Time Allocation Committee (XTAC) for scientific advantage and technical feasibility. Principal Investigators will obtain a six-month proprietary interval for his or her information, after which it is going to be made publicly out there by ISSDC’s archive for the broader scientific neighborhood.Isro has made out there complete technical documentation, together with the XSPECT User Handbook and proposal preparation instruments like XPoViewer, which assist researchers decide satellite tv for pc visibility durations for his or her targets of curiosity.Scientists are anticipated to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals with applicable acknowledgment of XPoSat information utilization.