The Indian multi-wavelength astronomy satellite

Abstract

The Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment(IXAE) is currently in operation on-board the IRS-P3 satellite launched by the PSLV-D3 rocket in 1996 March 21. Based on IXAE observations, several interesting results have been obtained so far, including possible evidence for matter disappearing behind the event horizon of a black hole in the superluminal Galactic X-ray source GRS 1915+105. Encouraged by the success of IXAE, a full-fledged satellite for astronomical observations is currently under consideration. A large area xenon filled proportional counter array (LAXPAC), a soft X-ray telescope (SXT), one X-ray sky monitor (XRM) and an UV/optical telescope (UVT) are being considered for inclusion in the Indian Multi-wavelength Astronomy Satellite (IMAS).