India successfully places Aditya-L1 solar probe in orbit

India’s Solar Probe in Orbit

India's solar probe Aditya-L1 was successfully placed in its intended orbit by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), making India the fourth country in the world to have a space-based observatory to study the sun. The objective of the mission is to observe and understand the chromospheric and coronal dynamics of the sun. The satellite is equipped with seven indigenously developed gadgets to help achieve its objectives.

The three-dimensional orbit at Lagrange Point 1 (L1) has been selected to ensure a mission lifetime of five years. The L1 of the sun-earth system is about 1% of the total distance between the earth and the sun. A satellite in a halo orbit around Lagrange Point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the sun without any occultations or eclipses.

Successful Orbital Insertion

According to ISRO, a critical phase of the spacecraft's voyage was its insertion into the halo orbit near Lagrange Point. The manoeuvre demanded precise navigation and control, which ISRO scientists and engineers successfully managed by constantly monitoring the spacecraft and adjusting its speed and position using on-board thrusters. The success of the insertion not only demonstrated ISRO's capabilities in such complex orbital manoeuvres, but also enhanced their confidence for future interplanetary missions.

The specific orbit of Aditya-L1 is located on the continuously moving sun-earth line with an orbital period of about 177.86 earth days. This orbit has been selected to ensure a mission lifetime of five years, minimising station-keeping manoeuvres, reducing fuel consumption, and ensuring an uninterrupted view of the sun.

Recognition and Future Plans

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the successful placement of the spacecraft in its orbit as an extraordinary feat, applauding the dedication of the scientists involved in realising one of the most complex space missions. President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the significant participation of women engineers and scientists in Team ISRO, emphasising the empowerment of women through their involvement in ISRO missions.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed satisfaction with the mission's success and acknowledged PM Modi's interest in the mission, expecting an interaction with him in the future. He also mentioned that while the payloads are working well, further work is needed to ensure reliable and usable data from the mission.

With the success of placing Aditya-L1 in orbit, ISRO has demonstrated India's capabilities in space exploration and management of future interplanetary missions. The mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the sun and contribute to scientific advancements for the benefit of humanity.