India’s space agency, ISRO, achieved a critical milestone with the successful maneuver to position the Aditya-L1 spacecraft into orbit around the Lagrange point (L1), nearly 1.5 million km from Earth. Launched in September 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first space-based observatory dedicated to studying the Sun.

Observing the Sun from Afar:

Aditya-L1 won’t physically go to the Sun; instead, it creates a space observatory at the L1 point, offering an uninterrupted view of the sun. This unique halo orbit around L1 allows continuous observation without the interference of eclipses.

Crucial Payloads on Board:

Equipped with seven payloads, Aditya-L1 aims to unravel solar mysteries, including coronal heating, mass ejections, and space weather dynamics. The payloads include instruments for studying the sun’s visible surface, chromosphere, and outer layers.

Lagrange Point Advantages:

The L1 orbit choice brings distinct advantages, such as constant Sun-spacecraft velocity, suitable for helioseismology, and unobstructed views for continuous communication.

Precision Orbital Maneuver:

The recent Halo-Orbit Insertion (HOI) involved precise navigation, firing control engines, and continuous monitoring. Successful insertion not only showcases ISRO’s orbital prowess but also boosts confidence for future interplanetary missions.

Journey Highlights:

Aditya-L1’s journey involved multiple burns, trans-L1 injection maneuvers, and adjustments to achieve the desired trajectory. The spacecraft underwent rigorous testing, ensuring the performance of all payloads before reaching its current orbit.

In summary, Aditya-L1’s successful orbit insertion marks a significant step in India’s space exploration, promising groundbreaking insights into solar phenomena

Image Source: ISRO