Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Aditya-L1 is India’s first space-based solar observatory designed to study the Sun. It’s located at Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, where it can continuously observe the Sun without any interruptions from eclipses or obstructions.
Key Facts About Aditya-L1
- Launch Date: September 2, 2023
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C57
- Destination: Lagrange Point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system
- Travel Distance: 1.5 million km (~1% of the Earth-Sun distance)
- Mission Life: 5+ years
- Cost: ₹400 crore (approx.)
Objectives of Aditya-L1
1. Dive into the Solar Corona, the Sun’s outer layer, and explore how it gets heated.
2. Keep an eye on solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) to see how they affect space weather on Earth.
3. Look into the solar wind and how it interacts with Earth’s magnetic field.
4. Take a closer look at the dynamics of the Sun’s chromosphere and photosphere.
5. Work on enhancing space weather forecasts to better protect satellites and communication systems.
Scientific Instruments Onboard
Aditya-L1 carries 7 scientific payloads for different observations:
Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) – Studies the solar corona and coronal mass ejections.
Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) – Observes the Sun’s UV radiation.
Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) – Measures solar wind properties.
Plasma Analyzer Package for Aditya (PAPA) – Studies charged particles from the Sun.
High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) – Detects solar flares in X-rays.
Magnetometer – Measures interplanetary magnetic fields.
Why Lagrange Point L1?
- At L1, Aditya-L1 gets a continuous view of the Sun, unlike Earth-based telescopes.
- The gravitational balance at L1 allows stable positioning with minimal fuel consumption.
- It provides an early warning system for solar storms that can disrupt Earth’s satellites and power grids.
Significance of Aditya-L1
India’s first solar mission marks a significant milestone, placing ISRO among the elite space agencies that study the Sun. This mission boosts research on space weather, which is vital for safeguarding satellites and communication systems. It also adds to global solar research efforts, working in tandem with NASA’s Parker Solar Probe and ESA’s Solar Orbiter. Additionally, it strengthens India’s deep-space capabilities, building on the successes of Chandrayaan-3 and Mangalyaan.