The Aditya-L1 spacecraft, India’s pioneering mission dedicated to studying the Sun from space, achieved a significant milestone by completing its fourth Earth-bound manoeuvre (EBN#4). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced this achievement through its official platform, X.
This operation, known as EBN#4, proceeded without any complications, adding another feather to the mission’s cap. The ISRO ground stations in Mauritius, Bengaluru, SDSC-SHAR (Satish Dhawan Space Centre – Sriharikota Range), and Port Blair closely tracked the satellite during this critical phase. Additionally, a transportable terminal located in the Fiji Islands, dedicated to the Aditya-L1 mission, provided essential support for post-burn operations.
Entering a New Orbit
With the successful completion of this manoeuvre, the spacecraft transitioned into a new orbit with dimensions measuring 256 km by 121,973 km. This marks a crucial step towards its ultimate destination: the Trans-Lagrangian Point 1 Insertion (TL1I), scheduled for September 19 at approximately 02:00 Hrs. IST. The TL1I serves as the send-off point from Earth for the Aditya-L1 mission.
Aditya-L1’s Mission and Objectives
Aditya-L1 represents India’s inaugural space-based observatory designed to study the Sun from a halo orbit situated around the first Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), located approximately 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth.
Prior to EBN#4, the first, second, and third earth-bound manoeuvres were successfully executed on September 3, 5, and 10, respectively. These manoeuvres are essential during the 16-day trajectory around Earth, enabling the spacecraft to attain the necessary velocity for its journey to the L1 Lagrange point.
Having completed these crucial manoeuvres, Aditya-L1 is now prepared for its next challenge: the Trans-Lagrangian 1 insertion manoeuvre, which marks the commencement of its nearly 110-day journey to its destination orbiting the L1 Lagrange point.
Aditya-L1’s Unique Orbit and Observations
Upon reaching the L1 point, another critical manoeuvre will secure Aditya-L1 in an orbit around L1, a gravitational equilibrium point between Earth and the Sun. Throughout its mission, the satellite will continuously orbit L1 in an irregularly shaped path, positioned perpendicular to the line connecting Earth and the Sun.
Aditya-L1’s strategic positioning in a halo orbit around the L1 point offers a distinct advantage: it ensures uninterrupted observation of the Sun, free from any occultations or eclipses. This setup allows for real-time monitoring of solar activities and their impact on space weather.
Scientific Payloads and Research Goals
Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven scientific payloads, all developed indigenously by ISRO and national research laboratories, including the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru and the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune. These payloads are designed to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic particle and magnetic field detectors.
Moreover, Aditya-L1’s unique position at L1 permits four payloads to directly observe the Sun, while the remaining three payloads conduct in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1. These scientific instruments promise invaluable insights into coronal heating, coronal mass ejections, pre-flare and flare activities, space weather dynamics, and the propagation of particles and fields.
Exploring the Earth-Sun System Dynamics
The mission’s objectives align with scientists’ quest to comprehend the intricate dynamics of the space surrounding the Earth-Sun system. The Lagrange points, named after the renowned Italian-French mathematician Joseph-Louis Lagrange, serve as strategically advantageous locations for spacecraft, reducing fuel consumption by finding an ideal equilibrium between the gravitational pull of the Sun and the Earth and the centripetal force required for small objects to remain in synchronized motion with them.
In conclusion, Aditya-L1’s successful fourth Earth-bound manoeuvre brings it one step closer to unlocking the mysteries of the Sun and advancing our understanding of space weather. With each achievement, this mission reinforces India’s position in space exploration and scientific research. The upcoming Trans-Lagrangian 1 insertion manoeuvre is eagerly anticipated as it sets the stage for Aditya-L1’s groundbreaking observations at the L1 Lagrange point, furthering our knowledge of the solar system’s dynamics and the Sun’s influence on our planet.
