In a groundbreaking achievement, Bharat’s Aditya-L1 solar observatory has successfully reached Lagrange Point 1, a crucial spot in space located about one percent of the distance between Earth and the Sun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his congratulations on the accomplishment, highlighting the dedication of the nation’s scientists in realizing this complex space mission.
Aditya-L1, launched on September 2 last year using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C57), has undergone a series of maneuvers since then. After 63 minutes and 20 seconds of flight, it was injected into an elliptical orbit around the Earth and later headed towards Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), escaping Earth’s sphere of influence.
The significance of reaching Lagrange Point 1 lies in the satellite’s ability to continuously observe the Sun without any interruptions such as occultations or eclipses. This unique vantage point in a halo orbit will provide a substantial advantage in studying solar activities and their impact on space weather in real time.
The Aditya-L1 spacecraft carries seven payloads designed to observe various layers of the Sun, including the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layer, the corona. Four payloads directly view the Sun, while the remaining three conduct in-situ studies of particles and fields at Lagrange Point 1. These payloads are expected to provide crucial information about coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, flare activities, and the dynamics of space weather.
The mission’s major objectives include studying the dynamics of the solar upper atmosphere, investigating chromospheric and coronal heating, understanding the physics of partially ionized plasma, observing the initiation of coronal mass ejections and flares, and collecting data for the study of particle dynamics from the Sun. Aditya-L1’s findings are anticipated to contribute significantly to our understanding of solar phenomena and their impact on space around our planet.
The successful positioning of Aditya-L1 at Lagrange Point 1 marks a significant milestone for Bharat’s space exploration endeavors, showcasing the nation’s capabilities in executing complex and intricate space missions. The mission aligns with the government’s commitment to advancing scientific frontiers for the benefit of humanity.
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