Aditya-L1, a coronagraphy spacecraft for studying the solar atmosphere, has reached
Lagrange Point 1 marking an important milestone in space research for the nation.
Designed and developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation and various other
Indian research institutes, the spacecraft parked in orbit today. It is described as “a
satellite dedicated to the comprehensive study of the sun.” It has 7 distinct payloads,
all of which have been developed indigenously. India's first space-based mission to
study the solar system's brightest and biggest object is named after Surya, the Sun
God, also known as Aditya. L1 denotes Lagrange Point 1, the exact position between
the Sun and Earth that the spacecraft has now successfully reached.
Lagrange Point 1 is about one per cent of the total distance between the earth and
the sun. Any satellite that is in a halo orbit around the L1 point has the advantage of
continuously viewing the Sun without any occultations/eclipses. The spacecraft now has
enhanced ability to observe solar activities and their effect on space weather in real
time.
"This manoeuvre (at around 4 pm on Saturday) will bind the Aditya-L1 to a halo orbit
around L1. If we don't do this, there is a possibility that it will continue its journey,
maybe towards the Sun," an ISRO official had earlier informed.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C57) launched the Aditya-L1 spacecraft from
the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, on
September 2, 2023.
After a flight duration of 63 minutes and 20 seconds, it was successfully injected into
an elliptical orbit of 235×19500 km around the Earth. After which, the spacecraft
underwent a series of manoeuvers and headed to Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1.
Aditya L1 To Study And Provide New Data On A Host Of Solar Areas
The major science objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission include study of the Solar upper
atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics including their heating, study of the
partially ionized plasma, what initiates coronal mass ejections and flares, observation of
in-situ particle and plasma environment, provide data for the study of particle dynamics
from the Sun among others.
CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES FROM POLITICAL LEADERS
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Home
Minister, Amit Shah, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra
Singh, and other important dignitaries have extended their good wishes and
congratulatory messages to ISRO and the people of India at today’s significant
milestone in space development and research.
“India creates yet another landmark. India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 reaches its
destination. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realising
the most complex and intricate space missions. I join the nation in applauding this
extraordinary feat. We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit
of humanity,” Prime Minister Modi posted on social media.
Bengali