On September 2, 2023, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching Aditya-L1, India’s inaugural space mission dedicated to the study of the sun. The liftoff occurred at Sriharikota’s Satish Dhawan Space Center in Andhra Pradesh.
Approximately an hour following liftoff, the satellite was precisely inserted into the intended intermediate orbit. ISRO’s Chief, S Somanath, addressed the mission control team, stating that Aditya-L1 would now embark on its journey. After performing Earth maneuvers, it would proceed toward the L1 point, a lengthy expedition spanning around 125 days. This was a crucial moment for the Aditya spacecraft, as it aimed to be positioned in the halo orbit around L1.
Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads on board, four of which are designated for remote sensing of the Sun, while the remaining three are equipped for in-situ observations. These payloads are designed to analyze the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun, the corona, using various detectors for electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic fields.
One distinctive advantage of Aditya-L1 is its position in the halo orbit around Lagrange point 1 (L1), situated approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. This location allows the satellite to continuously monitor the Sun without disruptions caused by eclipses. Real-time observations of solar activities and their impact on space weather are anticipated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to ISRO for this successful launch. He recognized the achievement as a continuation of India’s space journey following Chandrayaan-3’s success. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her best wishes to the ISRO team, acknowledging the significance of India’s first solar mission, which promises to enhance our understanding of space and celestial phenomena.
Notably, India joins the ranks of nations like China, Japan, the United States, and Europe that have previously undertaken solar missions. The European Space Agency has Proba-3 and Smile missions scheduled for launch in the coming years, furthering humanity’s quest to explore the sun and the universe beyond.
