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Aditya-L1: India’s Remarkable Success in Solar Exploration at Lagrange Point-1

Avinash Poojari
Aditya-L1: India's Remarkable Success in Solar Exploration at Lagrange Point-1
Aditya-L1 – Photo: Social Media

India has reached a notable achievement in the realm of space exploration. After the historic Moon landing, the Aditya-L1 mission, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has successfully reached Lagrange Point-1 (L1), securing its position in the final orbit. Over the next two years, Aditya-L1 will embark on a mission to study the Sun, collecting invaluable data. Launched on September 2, this marks India’s maiden foray into solar exploration.

PM Modi Cheers ISRO’s Success

Prime Minister Modi shared his joy on Twitter, praising ISRO for this remarkable achievement. He noted, “India has achieved another milestone. India’s first solar observatory, Aditya-L1, has reached its destination. This accomplishment, conquering one of the most complex space missions, is a testament to the tireless dedication of our scientists. This extraordinary feat is commendable. We will continue to push the boundaries of science for the benefit of humanity. I join the nation in applauding this remarkable achievement.”

Decoding the L1 Point

The L1 point, known as the Halo Orbit, is among the five equilibrium points in the Sun-Earth system. These points maintain gravitational balance between the Sun and Earth, providing stability for objects to stay without being pulled by the gravitational forces of either body. Situated approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth, the combined distance between Earth and the Sun at these points is only 1 percent of the total distance. Objects in the Halo Orbit revolve around the Sun and Earth simultaneously.

Global Excitement for ISRO’s Mission

The entire world is eagerly anticipating ISRO’s mission, which involves seven payloads conducting comprehensive studies on solar events. These payloads will provide crucial data for global scientific research on solar radiation, particles, and magnetic fields. Aditya-L1, equipped with a coronagraph, will closely observe the Sun’s surface. It complements data from NASA and the European Space Agency’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission. Positioned uniquely, Aditya-L1 is the only dedicated observatory in this orbital location.

Mission Kick-off on September 18

On Friday, Aditya-L1 celebrated 126 days in space since its launch on September 18. The scientific data collection and Sun imaging commenced 16 days into the mission, resulting in scientists receiving high-energy X-ray images of solar flares and full solar disk images. Four instruments, including the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) and Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX), are active and performing well. The SUIT payload, the first to activate upon reaching the halo orbit, is functioning effectively.

Seven Payloads in Action

Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven scientific payloads, such as the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) designed for precise sun tracking. Additionally, three in-situ measuring instruments, including Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX), Plasma Analyzer Package for Aditya (PAPA), and Advanced Three-Dimensional High-Resolution Digital Magnetometer (ATACHRDM), contribute to this pioneering mission.

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