ASTROSAT MISSION: INDIA’S FIRST SPACE OBSERVATORY

1. ASTROSAT MISSION: INDIA’S FIRST SPACE OBSERVATORY

Context

AstroSat, India’s first multi-wavelength space observatory, recently marked its 10th year of successful operation. Launched in 2015, it was originally designed for a 5-year lifespan but continues to deliver valuable scientific data. Its success has established India as a global player in the field of space-based astronomy.

Mission Overview

AstroSat represents a significant leap for India in space research and astrophysics.

Key Details:

• Name & Status: AstroSat — India’s first dedicated space astronomy observatory.
   
• Purpose: To observe and analyze celestial phenomena across different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.
   
• Launch Information:
   
  • Date: September 28, 2015
     
  • Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
     
  • Vehicle: PSLV-C30 (31st flight of PSLV series)
     
  • Mass: Approximately 1500 kg (not 2000 kg, as mentioned in a UPSC 2016 question).
     
• Lifespan: Designed for 5 years but has now exceeded 10 years in operation.
   
• Global Recognition: Placed India alongside the USA, European Union, and Japan, countries with operational space observatories.
   
• Collaboration:
   
  • National partners: ISRO and Indian research institutions.
     
  • International support: Canada and the UK contributed instruments and expertise.
     

Major Achievements and Discoveries

AstroSat has significantly advanced our understanding of the universe through diverse observations.

• Provided key data on black holes, neutron stars, and galaxies.
   
• Studied Proxima Centauri, the closest star to Earth after the Sun.
   
• Detected Far Ultraviolet (FUV) photons from a galaxy nearly 9.3 billion light-years away.
   
• Enhanced knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum from various cosmic regions.
   
• Contributed to research on Gamma Ray Bursts, binary star systems, and supernovae.
   

Onboard Instruments

AstroSat was equipped with five major instruments, each serving specialized observational purposes:

1. Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT): Captures images in visible and ultraviolet light to study stars, galaxies, and star-forming regions.
2. Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC): Observes low-energy X-rays to study binary stars and black holes.
3. Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI): Detects Gamma Ray Bursts and analyzes hard X-rays.
4. Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT): Focuses on soft X-rays, important for supernova remnants and hot gas in galaxies.
5. Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM): Continuously scans the sky for sudden X-ray outbursts like star explosions.

Strategic and Scientific Significance

• Marked India’s entry into the global league of nations with multi-wavelength space observatories.
   
• Enabled Indian scientists to access continuous, high-quality astronomical data without depending on foreign observatories.
   
• Strengthened India’s role in international collaborations in astrophysics.
   
• Provided a strong platform for training and inspiring a new generation of space scientists and astronomers.
   

Conclusion

The AstroSat mission is a landmark in India’s space research journey, combining advanced technology with international cooperation. Its decade-long success showcases India’s ability to operate sophisticated space observatories and contribute significantly to global astrophysics. Beyond its scientific achievements, AstroSat reflects the nation’s growing capabilities in space exploration and research, laying the foundation for future deep-space missions.