The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a pioneering venture—the Aditya-L1 mission.
This mission marks India’s first endeavour into space-based solar observation, with the launch scheduled for September 2 from Sriharikota.
- Aditya-L1 Mission
The Aditya-L1 project, a cutting-edge space-based observatory intended for studying the Sun, is unveiled by ISRO. - The spacecraft will be situated roughly 1.5 million kilometres from Earth in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) in the Sun-Earth system.
- The strategic location of the L1 point allows for uninterrupted solar observation free from eclipses, providing priceless insights into solar activity and its immediate effects on space weather.
- Aditya will travel 1.5 million kilometres to the Lagrange point L1 after leaving Earth’s sphere of influence.
Significance of Lagrange Point 1
- Lagrange points are points of equilibrium where centripetal and gravitational forces balance one another, providing a stable environment for satellites.
- The spacecraft will be positioned so that it may see the Sun undisturbed because it will have a clear view of L1.
- The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO) has shown that each Lagrange point has distinct advantages, such as a steady view of the Sun at L1.
Aditya-L1’s Scientific Endeavors
- Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven payloads that use a variety of detectors to study the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona.
- Instruments like the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and others are included in the payloads.
- Coronal heating, mass ejections, and space weather are a few examples of phenomena that can be better-understood thanks to payloads that study solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium.
Significance of Solar Study
- Solar Influence on the System: The Sun has a tremendous influence on planetary weather and evolution, as well as on satellites, electronics, power systems, and even the environment on Earth.
- Continual solar observations are necessary for monitoring Earth-bound solar storms and forecasting their potential effects.
- All solar storms that are travelling towards Earth must pass through L1, making it an important location to watch.
Key Feature: Mighty LAM Engine
- The Aditya-L1 mission’s success depends on the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engine, which was created by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
- LAM has been essential to projects like Chandrayaan-3 and the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
- LAM engines provide orbital changes for satellites and spacecraft, saving fuel and assuring ideal location.
