What is Aditya-L1 mission?
Aditya-L1 shall be the first space-based Indian mission to study the Sun. The spacecraft shall be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth. A satellite placed in the halo orbit around the L1 point has the major advantage of continuously viewing the Sun without any occultation/eclipses. This will provide a greater advantage of observing the solar activities and its effect on space weather in real time. The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere and the outermost layers of the Sun (the corona) using electromagnetic and particle and magnetic field detectors. Using the special vantage point L1, four payloads directly view the Sun and the remaining three payloads carry out in-situ studies of particles and fields at the Lagrange point L1, thus providing important scientific studies of the propagatory effect of solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium
The suits of Aditya L1 payloads are expected to provide most crucial informations to understand the problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities and their characteristics, dynamics of space weather, propagation of particle and fields etc.
What are The major science objectives of Aditya-L1’s mission:
- Study of Solar upper atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics.
- Study of chromospheric and coronal heating, physics of the partially ionized plasma, initiation of the coronal mass ejections, and flares.
- Observe the in-situ particle and plasma environment providing data for the study of particle dynamics from the Sun.
- Physics of solar corona and its heating mechanism.
- Diagnostics of the coronal and coronal loops plasma: Temperature, velocity and density.
- Development, dynamics and origin of CMEs.
- Identify the sequence of processes that occur at multiple layers (chromosphere, base and extended corona) which eventually leads to solar eruptive events.
- Magnetic field topology and magnetic field measurements in the solar corona .
- Drivers for space weather (origin, composition and dynamics of solar wind .
The motivation behind the “Aditya-L1 Mission” and the need to study the sun:
The motivation behind launching the “Aditya-L1 Mission” and the need to study the sun is deeply rooted in advancing scientific knowledge, understanding space phenomena, and addressing practical applications. Here are several key motivations:
- Understanding Solar Activity: The sun is a dynamic celestial body that undergoes various activities, including solar flares and sunspots. Studying these phenomena helps scientists understand the sun’s behavior and its impact on the solar system.
- Space Weather Prediction: Solar activity can influence space weather, affecting communication systems, navigation, and even power grids on Earth. By studying the sun, scientists can improve their ability to predict space weather events and mitigate potential adverse effects on technology and infrastructure.
- Insights into Solar Energy: The sun is a vast source of energy, and understanding its processes can lead to advancements in harnessing solar energy for various applications on Earth. Knowledge gained from studying the sun contributes to the development of sustainable energy solutions.
- Origin and Evolution of the Solar System: Studying the sun provides crucial insights into the origin and evolution of our solar system. By examining the processes that occur within the sun, scientists can piece together the history of our cosmic neighborhood.
- Contribution to Astrophysics: The sun serves as a natural laboratory for astrophysicists to study fundamental physical processes. Observing the sun helps researchers test and refine theories related to nuclear fusion, magnetic fields, and the behavior of plasma.
- Advancements in Space Technology: Space missions, like “Mission Mangal,” drive technological innovations. The development of advanced instruments and spacecraft for studying the sun contributes to the overall progress of space exploration and technology.
- International Collaboration: Participating in solar missions fosters collaboration between countries and space agencies. The exchange of knowledge and expertise helps build a global understanding of space science and strengthens international cooperation in the field.
- Inspiration and Education: Successful space missions inspire the public, especially the younger generation, to take an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The knowledge gained from these missions can be incorporated into educational programs, fostering a passion for space exploration.
In summary, the motivation behind launching missions like the “Aditya-L1 Mission” revolves around gaining a deeper understanding of the sun’s processes, predicting space weather, utilizing solar energy, advancing astrophysical knowledge, driving technological innovation, and fostering international collaboration. The scientific and practical implications of studying the sun make such missions essential for expanding our understanding of the cosmos and improving our technological capabilities.
About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and the mankind. ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO.
ISRO was previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. VikramA Sarabhai. ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969 and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology. DOS was set up and ISRO was brought under DOS in 1972.
The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development and application of space technology for various national needs. To fulfil this objective, ISRO has established major space systemsfor communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services; resources monitoring and management; space-based navigation services. ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required orbits.
Alongside its technological advancement, ISRO contributes to science and science education in the country. Various dedicated research centres and autonomous institutions for remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and space sciences in general function under the aegis of Department of Space. ISRO’s own Lunar and interplanetary missions along with other scientific projects encourage and promote science education, apart from providing valuable data to the scientific community which in turn enriches science.
ISRO has its headquarters in Bengaluru. Its activities are spread across various centres and units. Launch Vehicles are built at VikramSarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram; Satellites are designed and developed at U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengalure; Integration and launching of satellites and launch vehicles are carried out from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota; Development of liquid stages including cryogenic stage is carried out at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Valiamala& Bengaluru; Sensors for Communication and Remote Sensing satellites and application aspects of the space technology are taken up at Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad and Remote Sensing satellite data reception processing and dissemination is entrusted to National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad.
The activities of ISRO are guided by its Chairman, who would also be the secretary of DOS and Chairman of Space commission – the apex body that formulates the policies and overseas the implementation of the Indian Space Programme.
December 8, 2023: In-orbit Health Status of Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA)
The SUIT payload captures full-disk images of the Sun in near ultraviolet wavelengths
December 1, 2023: Solar wind Ion Spectrometer (SWIS) in the Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment(ASPEX) payload is made operational
November 7, 2023: HEL1OS captures first High-Energy X-ray glimpse of Solar Flares
October 8, 2023: A Trajectory Correction Maneuvre (TCM), originally provisioned, was performed on October 6, 2023, for about 16 s. It was needed to correct the trajectory evaluated after tracking the Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) maneuvre performed on September 19, 2023. TCM ensures that the spacecraft is on its intended path towards the Halo orbit insertion around L1.
September 30, 2023: The spacecraft has escaped the sphere of Earth’s influence, on its way to the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1(L1).
September 25, 2023: An assessment of space situation around Sun-Earth Lagrange Point L1.
September 19, 2023: The spacecraft is currently travelling to the Sun-Earth L1 point.
September 18, 2023: Aditya-L1 has commenced the collection of scientific data.
September 15, 2023: Fourth Earth-bound maneuvre (EBN#4) is performed successfully. The new orbit attained is 256 km x 121973 km.
September 10, 2023: Third Earth-bound maneuvre (EBN#3) is performed successfully. The new orbit attained is 296 km x 71767 km.
September 05, 2023: Second Earth-bound maneuvre (EBN#2) is performed successfully. The new orbit attained is 282 km x 40225 km.
September 03, 2023: The next maneuvre (EBN#2) is scheduled for September 5, 2023, around 03:00 Hrs. IST
The first Earth-bound maneuvre (EBN#1) is performed successfully from ISTRAC, Bengaluru. The new orbit attained is 245 km x 22459 km
The satellite is healthy and operating nominally.
September 02, 2023: India’s first solar observatory has begun its journey to the destination of Sun-Earth L1 point
The vehicle has placed the satellite precisely into its intended orbit
The launch of Aditya-L1 by PSLV-C57 is accomplished successfully
ISRO Appraises Aditya-L1 Missions and Chandrayaan-3:
June 13, 2023
On May 19, 2023, ISRO organized a one-day appraisal to the national academia and research institutes on the forthcoming space science missions Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, in the premises of the ISRO Headquarters, Bangalore. The meeting was attended by more than three hundred scientists, academicians and engineers representing 20 academic and research institutes of the country, apart from a set of former and serving scientists from the centres of ISRO / Department of Space, in offline and online modes.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission, equipped with scientific payloads on its lander and rover, will conduct in-situ studies of the lunar surface, at higher lunar latitude in the Southern lunar hemisphere. The mission will also carry an experimental payload on its propulsion module, to conduct spectro-polarimetric observations of the Earth from the lunar orbit. The Aditya-L1 mission, in turn, will study the photons and the solar wind ions and electrons emitted by the Sun, and the associated interplanetary magnetic field, from a halo orbit around the first Sun-Earth Lagrange point (L1).
During the opening remarks, Shri S Somanath, Chairman, ISRO / Secretary, DOS mentioned that this appraisal with the national experts is arranged to ensure that no stone is kept unturned in order to ensure the success of the missions.
The technical sessions consisted of sessions on Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-3 missions, where the overview of the missions, along with the technical details were deliberated at length. The meeting was attended by the directors / eminent senior scientists from institutions like NAL, ADA, NIAS, IUCAA, IIA, RRI, TIFR, JNCASR, IIG, ARIES and NGRI, and academicians from University of Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur, IISc, IIT-Madras, IIT-Bombay, IISER-Kolkata, Ashoka University, IIT-BHU, and MAHE. The aspects of the Navigation-Guidance-Control of the lunar lander and the Aditya-L1 spacecraft were discussed at length. The technical lessons learnt from the Chandrayaan-2 lander, and the revised configuration of the Chandrayaan-3 lander were deliberated in detail.
Following the technical sessions, there were detailed discussions and deliberations involving the national experts from academics and research institutes. The discussions with national academia and institutes also led to valuable technical suggestions for configuring future space missions. The experts, during the deliberations, have provided valuable suggestions and feedback on the technical aspects of Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions, which were noted by the ISRO project teams for cross-checks and compliance.
During the concluding session, the members from academia and institutes unanimously opined that the project teams have taken care of every aspects of both the missions in their capacity. Above suggestions by the experts are getting addressed by ISRO.
Public Reaction and Impact:
- Scientific Enthusiasm: The launch of Aditya-L1, being a mission to study the Sun, is likely to generate enthusiasm among the scientific community. Scientists, researchers, and space enthusiasts worldwide may closely follow the mission’s progress and eagerly await the data it promises to provide.
- Public Interest: Solar missions tend to capture public interest due to the fascination with space exploration and the importance of understanding our solar system. Aditya-L1, focused on studying the Sun, may draw attention from a broad audience interested in astronomy and space science.
- Educational Impact: Successful space missions often have a positive impact on education. They provide valuable material for educational programs, inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
- Media Coverage: The launch and subsequent phases of the Aditya-L1 mission are likely to receive extensive media coverage. News outlets, both local and international, may report on the mission’s objectives, progress, and any significant findings.
- International Collaboration: If there is international collaboration on the Aditya-L1 mission, it could foster positive relationships and knowledge exchange between space agencies and researchers from different countries.
- Technological Advancements: The mission may contribute to technological advancements, especially in the field of space instrumentation. Innovations developed for Aditya-L1 could have broader applications in future space missions.
- Outreach and Public Engagement: Space agencies often conduct public outreach programs to engage with the community and share information about the mission. This could include educational initiatives, public lectures, and social media campaigns to involve people in the excitement of space exploration.
- Inspiring Future Missions: Successful missions like Aditya-L1 have the potential to inspire and pave the way for future space exploration endeavors. They demonstrate the capabilities of space agencies and encourage the pursuit of ambitious scientific goals.
It’s important to check recent news sources or official announcements for the most up-to-date information on the Aditya-L1 mission and its impact on the public and scientific community. Public reactions can vary, but space missions generally contribute to a sense of wonder, curiosity, and pride in our collective ability to explore and understand the universe.
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