Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
The Aditya L1 spacecraft, launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023, from Sriharikota, is on its final leg of a 15 lakh-kilometre journey through the cold vacuum of space.
The spacecraft is now entering a critical stage as it prepares for a complex insertion into the halo orbit around Lagrange Point 1 (L1), the gravitational equilibrium between Earth and the Sun. Aditya-L1's is expected to reach the Lagrange Point on January 6, 2024.
Aditya L1 is equipped to measure events like Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and interplanetary magnetic fields, providing essential data for both India and the global scientific community.
ISRO's team is taking meticulous precautions, constantly monitoring and adjusting the spacecraft's position and speed using onboard thrusters to counter unexpected deviations from its planned trajectory.
The spacecraft's instruments, including the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) and the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), must be shielded from the intense radiation and particles emitted by the Sun.
The instability of Lagrange Point 1 (L1) poses challenges, necessitating station keeping manoeuvres to maintain Aditya L1's halo orbit. These adjustments, ranging from 0.2 to 4 m/s per year, are crucial to counteract gravitational influences and solar radiation pressure.
As Aditya L1 approaches its target, the mission team is on high alert, prepared to address the intricacies and challenges associated with space travel.
Station keeping manoeuvres are pivotal to ensure the stability of Aditya L1's halo orbit, mitigating the gravitational effects of celestial bodies and solar radiation pressure.
The success of this insertion not only enhances ISRO's capabilities but also opens new avenues for understanding the mysteries of our Sun and its impact on space weather, marking a significant achievement in India's space exploration endeavours.