Aditya-L1 (Surya Mission) is an exciting solar mission led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Its main aim is to study the mesmerizing solar atmosphere.
Did Aditya-L1 launch successfully?
Aditya L1 launched successfully from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Saturday. The launch was declared successful after the satellite was placed into Earth’s elliptical orbit.
When was Aditya-L1 launched?
Developed by ISRO and various Indian research institutes, this coronagraph spacecraft was launched on September 2, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.
Where is Aditya-L1 going?
To carry out its mission, Aditya-L1 will be placed in a special spot called the L1 Lagrange point, which is like a sweet spot between the Earth and the Sun. Positioned there, it can get a close-up view of the Sun while staying in a fixed location.
Features of Aditya-L1
Equipped with seven incredible instruments, Aditya-L1 will explore the solar atmosphere in different wavelengths. Here’s a sneak peek at what they can do:
- VELC (Visible Line Emission Coronagraph)
(Corona/Imaging, Spectropolarimetry & Spectroscopy, IIA, LEOS, URSC, IISU, SAC)
The Visible Line Emission Coronagraph (VELC) is the primary payload that Aditya-L1 will use to focus on the Sun’s Corona. The Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere, is a captivating and elusive sight. Normally, it remains concealed due to the overwhelming brightness of the Sun’s surface. As a result, observing the corona without specialized instruments becomes quite challenging. However, there is an exceptional opportunity to witness this remarkable phenomenon during a total solar eclipse. - SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope )
(Photosphere and Chromosphere/ Imaging, IUCAA, LEOS, URSC, IISU)
A highly significant instrument aboard the Aditya L1 mission is the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT). This remarkable piece of technology has undergone an extensive development period spanning over ten years. Its primary purpose is to capture ultraviolet images of two crucial layers of the Sun’s atmosphere: the photosphere and the chromosphere. - SoLEXS (Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer)
(Soft X-ray Spectrum, URSC)
SoLEXS is designed to measure the soft X-ray emission from the solar corona. The soft X-ray emission is produced by hot plasma in the corona, and it can be used to study the temperature, density, and composition of the corona. - HEL1OS (High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer)
(Hard X-ray spectrometer, URSC)
HEL1OS stands for High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer. It is one of the seven instruments on board the Aditya-L1 spacecraft. HEL1OS is designed to measure the hard X-ray emission from the solar corona. The hard X-ray emission is produced by energetic particles in the corona, and it can be used to study the acceleration of these particles and the dynamics of the solar corona. - ASPEX (Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment)
(Solar wind/ Particle Analyzer/ In-situ measurement, PRL [SAC])
ASPEX is designed to study the solar wind, which is a stream of charged particles that flows from the Sun. - PAPA (Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya)
(Solar wind/ Particle Analyzer/ In-situ measurement, VSSC)
PAPA is designed to study the plasma in the solar corona and solar wind. - MAG (Magnetometer)
(Measure magnetic field/ In-situ measurement, LEOS)
MAG is designed to measure the magnetic field of the Sun and the solar wind.
With all these tools, Aditya-L1 is set to unravel the mysteries surrounding the physics of the solar atmosphere and the processes that fuel solar activity. This groundbreaking research will enhance our understanding of space weather, which has important implications for our atmosphere and climate here on Earth.
Let’s not forget what a significant milestone this mission is for India’s space program Aditya-L1 is the first dedicated Indian mission solely focused on studying the Sun. It is expected to make huge contributions to our knowledge of this amazing celestial body.
Some of the key objectives for the Aditya-L1 mission:
- Study the dynamic behavior of the solar corona, that beautiful outer layer of the Sun.
- Understand the origins of solar flares and coronal mass ejections, those fascinating intense bursts of solar energy.
- Investigate the intricate relationship between solar activity and space weather, which affects our technological systems on Earth.
- Develop new technologies for observing the Sun, pushing the boundaries of what we can discover.
Excitingly, Aditya-L1 is planned to operate for at least five years, giving us an extended period of time to gather valuable data and insights. As part of the global fleet of solar spacecraft, Aditya-L1 will truly illuminate our understanding of the Sun and its profound impact on our planet.
When will Aditya-L1 reach its destination?
The Aditya L1 mission is on track to reach its designated observation point in just four months. This significant milestone is anticipated as the spacecraft embarks on its journey towards Lagrangian Point 1 (L1). Situated approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth in alignment with the Sun, L1 will serve as the strategic position for Aditya-L1 to orbit.
Once the spacecraft reaches Lagrangian Point 1, it will settle into a halo orbit, carefully positioned to optimize its observational capabilities. This delicate trajectory around L1 ensures an unobstructed view of the Sun, allowing Aditya-L1 to fulfill its scientific objectives with great precision.
With the countdown to arrival underway, the Aditya L1 mission is poised to expand our understanding of the Sun and its myriad wonders. The anticipation intensifies as we approach this momentous occasion, eagerly awaiting the wealth of knowledge that will be gleaned from Aditya-L1’s exploration of our closest star.
To know more about Aditya-L1, Click here or watch this Official Launch video
