AstroSat Completes 10 Years in Orbit: A Decade of Cosmic Discovery

— by vishal Sambyal

India’s first dedicated astronomy mission, AstroSat, completes 10 years in orbit, marking a decade of groundbreaking space research and discoveries.

Introduction: A Decade Among the Stars

On September 28, 2015, a gleaming satellite lifted off from Sriharikota aboard PSLV-C30, carrying India’s first-ever space observatory for astronomy. Named AstroSat, this 1,515-kg marvel has now completed 10 years in orbit, a milestone that cements India’s growing reputation in space science. Over the last decade, AstroSat has not only expanded our understanding of galaxies, black holes, and cosmic radiation but has also placed India firmly on the global astronomy map.

Context & Background: India’s Leap into Space Astronomy

AstroSat was envisioned as a multi-wavelength observatory, capable of observing celestial objects in ultraviolet, visible, and X-ray spectrums simultaneously—a rarity in global astronomy. While NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope observes ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory focuses solely on X-rays, AstroSat integrates both capabilities in one platform.

Launched into a 650-kilometre orbit, inclined at 6 degrees to the equator, AstroSat was designed to last just five years. Surpassing expectations, it continues to function a decade later, supported by ISRO’s Mission Operations Complex in Bengaluru. Its data pipeline—from satellite to the Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC) and then to universities and research institutes like IUCAA in Pune—has enabled hundreds of scientists worldwide to analyze and publish groundbreaking findings.

Main Developments: Science Beyond the Horizon

AstroSat has delivered numerous landmark discoveries, rewriting textbooks and solving puzzles that baffled astronomers for decades. Among its standout contributions are:

  • Galactic Births: Directly witnessing the formation of dwarf galaxies, shedding light on the earliest phases of galactic evolution.
  • Light from the Early Universe: Detecting ultraviolet emissions from a galaxy 9.3 billion light years away, offering rare insights into cosmic history.
  • Cracking Old Mysteries: Solving a long-standing puzzle involving celestial objects that exhibited both hot and cold emission signatures.
  • Black Hole Dynamics: Identifying quasi-periodic oscillations in black hole systems, helping decode the extreme physics of these cosmic giants.
  • Polarized X-Rays: Recording X-ray polarization in the Crab Nebula, advancing astrophysical techniques for studying neutron stars.
  • Cosmic Death and Rebirth: Capturing events that marked the “birth of black holes,” one of the most mysterious phenomena in the universe.

Each achievement underscores the versatility of AstroSat’s five onboard instruments, capable of observing a wide spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.

Expert Insights: Voices from the Space Community

“AstroSat has been a game-changer, not only for India but for the global astronomical community,” notes Dr. Somak Raychaudhury, an astrophysicist associated with IUCAA. “Its ability to observe in multiple wavelengths simultaneously gives us a more holistic view of cosmic phenomena.”

Similarly, ISRO scientists emphasize its longevity. “Originally built for five years, AstroSat’s decade-long performance is a testament to India’s growing engineering prowess in space technology,” said an official from ISRO’s Bengaluru mission center.

Astronomy researchers worldwide have accessed AstroSat data, and its open-access model has strengthened India’s scientific collaboration across continents.

Impact & Implications: What Lies Ahead

AstroSat’s legacy goes beyond its discoveries—it represents India’s coming of age in space science. With its continued operation, AstroSat inspires both students and professionals in the field of astrophysics.

Looking ahead, ISRO is already planning next-generation missions. AstroSat’s success provides the foundation for future multi-wavelength observatories and deep-space telescopes that will extend India’s contributions to space science further.

The mission also demonstrates how space science can have ripple effects beyond research—enhancing global collaboration, attracting young talent to STEM fields, and strengthening India’s position in the international space community.

Conclusion: A Star in India’s Space Legacy

As AstroSat completes 10 years in orbit, its journey is a reminder of how science and innovation can illuminate the darkest corners of the universe. From dwarf galaxies to black holes, from cosmic puzzles to billion-light-year-old galaxies, AstroSat has unveiled mysteries that bring humanity closer to understanding the cosmos.

In a decade marked by technological breakthroughs, AstroSat stands as a symbol of India’s ability to dream big, build smart, and explore fearlessly. The universe, as it turns out, looks a little clearer thanks to this Indian observatory.

Disclaimer :This article is for informational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available information about AstroSat and its scientific contributions.