Mission Possible: Aditya L1 reaches Lagrange Point 1, to be placed in final orbit soon

India’s ambitious Aditya L1 mission, the nation’s first dedicated solar study initiative, is approaching a significant milestone as it is poised to be injected into its final orbit on the evening of January 6.

Launched on September 2, the spacecraft is on track to enter what is known as a ‘halo orbit’ around Lagrange Point 1 (L1), a key position in the Sun-Earth system.

Aditya-L1 Mission:
The SUIT payload captures full-disk images of the Sun in near ultraviolet wavelengths

The images include the first-ever full-disk representations of the Sun in wavelengths ranging from 200 to 400 nm.

They provide pioneering insights into the intricate details… pic.twitter.com/YBAYJ3YkUy

— ISRO (@isro) December 8, 2023

The L1 point, located approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, offers a relatively stable location for Aditya L1 to observe the Sun. This strategic orbit around L1, referred to as a ‘halo orbit,’ allows the spacecraft to view the Sun from various angles, presenting a unique opportunity for comprehensive solar observations.

As of Wednesday, Aditya L1 has spent 124 days in space, during which it began collecting scientific data and imaging the Sun just 16 days into its journey. The spacecraft has successfully captured high-energy X-ray images of solar flares and full solar disc images, providing scientists with valuable insights into solar phenomena.

The upcoming orbital manoeuvre on January 6 is a critical and challenging one for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It involves firing thrusters to alter the spacecraft’s speed and trajectory, facilitating its entry into the desired ‘halo orbit’ around L1.

This manoeuvre is a first-of-its-kind attempt by ISRO, showcasing the agency’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Aditya L1 carries seven scientific payloads, including the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and High-Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS), all designed to directly track the Sun. Other in-situ measuring instruments, such as the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX), Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA), and Advanced Tri-axial High-Resolution Digital Magnetometers, contribute to a comprehensive study of solar phenomena.

The mission’s success has global significance, as Aditya L1’s observations will enhance our understanding of solar storms, radiations, and emissions before they impact Earth or come under the influence of the Earth’s magnetic field.

The spacecraft’s coronagraph, positioned on the top deck, will allow scientists to study the Sun’s surface in unprecedented detail.

With its comprehensive suite of instruments, Aditya L1 is set to complement data from other solar observation missions, including NASA and the European Space Agency’s Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).

The mission marks a crucial step in advancing solar science and adds a valuable asset to global efforts in understanding the complexities of our closest star.

(With inputs from agencies)