The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently conducted a trajectory correction maneuver (TCM) on the Aditya L1 spacecraft, India’s inaugural solar mission. This TCM, initially planned, took place on October 6, 2023, lasting approximately 16 seconds, according to ISRO.
ISRO explained that this maneuver was deemed necessary following an evaluation of the spacecraft’s trajectory after the Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) maneuver conducted on September 19, 2023. The TCM’s purpose was to ensure the spacecraft remains on its intended course toward achieving Halo orbit insertion around L1.
ISRO conveyed that the spacecraft remains in good health and is progressing towards its destination at the Sun-Earth L1 point. The agency also noted that the magnetometer will be reactivated in the coming days as the spacecraft continues its journey.
Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota via the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. It holds the distinction of being the first coronagraphy spacecraft designed to study the solar atmosphere.
The instruments aboard Aditya-L1 are finely tuned to observe the solar atmosphere, particularly the chromosphere and corona. Additionally, there are seven payloads on board, with four dedicated to remote sensing of the Sun and three for in-situ observations.
The spacecraft is positioned in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point, approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. Here, it will investigate the solar atmosphere, solar magnetic storms, and their effects on the Earth’s environment. ISRO reported that data collection by the spacecraft commenced on September 18, 2023.
