New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed ISRO for the successful launch of X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) saying “This launch is wonderful news for the space sector and will enhance India’s prowess in this field.’

Congratulating the scientists for the launch, PM Modi said on X, “A great start to 2024, thanks to our scientists! This launch is wonderful news for the space sector and will enhance India’s prowess in this field. Best wishes to our scientists at @isro and the entire space fraternity in taking India to unprecedented heights.’

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on the first day of the new year, 2024.

The PSLV, in its 60th mission, lifted off at 9.10 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, and 22 minutes later launched the XPoSat into an eastward low-inclination orbit.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also lauded the launch of the satellite and said, “Bharat’s monumental stride in space.’

“Congratulations to our @isro scientists on the historic launch of the specialized astronomy observatory satellite XPoSat to study black holes and neutron stars in our galaxy. Brightening up the cosmos in pursuit of knowledge on the very first day of 2024, you have proven yet again that your might is our pride,” Amit Shah said on X.

The Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh called the launch as “ISRO begins 2024 in Style”.

“Proud to be associated with the Department of Space at a time when Team @isro continues to accomplish one success after another, with the personal intervention & patronage from PM Shri@narendramodi” Jitendra Singh said on X.

Through this satellite, India will become the second country in the world after the United States to send a specialised astronomy observatory to study black holes and neutron stars in our galaxy.