National Desk, 6th January: In a groundbreaking move, the Aditya-L1 solar mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is on the verge of entering a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1) today. This strategic maneuver, positioning the spacecraft in a stable vantage point 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, ensures an uninterrupted view of the Sun.
The journey of Aditya-L1 began with its launch aboard the PSLV-C57 on September 2, 2023. Following complex orbital maneuvers and a 110-day transit, the spacecraft is now ready for its final insertion into the crucial halo orbit.
This orbit allows the satellite to escape the eclipse, providing consistent solar observations free from Earth’s magnetic field interference. The mission’s primary goal is to study the solar atmosphere, focusing on phenomena like coronal mass ejections, solar flares, and the mysterious heating of the solar corona.
Understanding these solar events is paramount due to their potential impact on space weather, affecting satellite operations, telecommunications, and power grids on Earth.
Aditya-L1, equipped with seven sophisticated payloads, including instruments like VELC, SoLEXS, PAPA, HEL1OS, SUIT, ASPEX, and MAG, will explore the dynamics of the Sun’s outer layers using electromagnetic and particle detectors.
Upon entering the halo orbit, Aditya-L1 is set to embark on a planned five-year mission, gathering crucial data to address long-standing questions about coronal heating, solar eruptions, and their influence on the interplanetary medium.
ISRO Chairman S Somanath underscores the global significance of Aditya-L1’s data, emphasizing its benefits not only for India but also for the worldwide scientific community’s understanding of solar dynamics.