The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating ten years of successful operation of the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) aboard AstroSat. This achievement emphasizes India's growing capabilities in space research and astronomy.
AstroSat stands as India’s first dedicated astronomy mission, designed to observe celestial sources across X-ray, optical, and ultraviolet (UV) spectral bands simultaneously. The satellite’s payloads encompass energy bands from the near and far ultraviolet to a limited optical range and X-ray regime, spanning from 0.3 keV to 100 keV. This unique capability allows for multi-wavelength observations of various astronomical objects using a single satellite.
The Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru is responsible for managing the satellite throughout its mission life.
AstroSat's objectives are crucial for advancing our understanding of the universe. These include:
AstroSat’s contributions to astronomy underline the importance of continued investment in space exploration, enabling researchers to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos.
Q1. What is AstroSat?
Answer: AstroSat is India's first dedicated mission for astronomy, launched to study celestial sources in X-ray, optical, and ultraviolet bands simultaneously.
Q2. What are the main instruments on AstroSat?
Answer: The main instruments include the Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC), Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Imager (CZTI), Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT), and Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM).
Q3. What are the objectives of AstroSat?
Answer: AstroSat aims to understand high-energy processes in binary star systems, estimate neutron star magnetic fields, study star birth regions, and detect new X-ray sources.
Q4. How long has AstroSat been operational?
Answer: AstroSat has been operational for ten years, since its launch in 2015, significantly contributing to astronomical research.
Q5. Who manages AstroSat during its mission life?
Answer: The satellite is managed by the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of AstroSat?
A) To study terrestrial weather patterns
B) To observe celestial sources in multiple wavelengths
C) To send humans to space
D) To establish communication with Mars
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which instrument on AstroSat is dedicated to ultraviolet observations?
A) Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter
B) Cadmium-Zinc-Telluride Imager
C) Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope
D) Scanning Sky Monitor
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: How does AstroSat contribute to our understanding of neutron stars?
A) By capturing images of them
B) By estimating their magnetic fields
C) By sending them signals
D) By landing on their surface
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Where is the Mission Operations Complex for AstroSat located?
A) New Delhi
B) Bengaluru
C) Hyderabad
D) Chennai
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: AstroSat was launched in which year?
A) 2010
B) 2015
C) 2020
D) 2023
Correct Answer: B
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