Central Idea

India’s maiden solar observatory mission, Aditya-L1, was successfully launched by ISRO on September 2.
Carried by the PSLV in its 59th flight, the spacecraft’s mission aims to study the sun’s behaviour and phenomena.
Aditya-L1 will spend 16 days orbiting Earth, undergoing five manoeuvres for required velocity.
Subsequent Trans-Lagrangian insertion will begin a 110-day journey towards L1 Lagrange point.
Aditya-L1 will orbit around L1, a balanced position between Earth and the sun, 1.5 million km away from Earth.

Aditya-L1 Mission

ISRO introduces the Aditya-L1 mission, a novel space-based observatory designated for studying the Sun.
The spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) in the Sun-Earth system, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth.
The L1 point’s strategic location enables continuous solar observation devoid of eclipses, furnishing invaluable insights into solar activities and their real-time effects on space weather.
Once Aditya exits Earth’s sphere of influence, it will head towards the Lagrange point L1, a distance of 1.5 million km.

Lagrange points are equilibrium positions where gravitational forces counteract centripetal forces, offering a stable environment for satellites.
The spacecraft will be positioned around L1, affording an unobstructed view of the Sun for unhindered observation.
Different Lagrange points offer unique advantages, such as L1’s consistent view of the Sun, as demonstrated by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO).

Aditya-L1 carries seven payloads to investigate the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona using a range of detectors.
The payloads encompass instruments like Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and more.
Payloads examining solar dynamics in the interplanetary medium contribute to a better understanding of phenomena like coronal heating, mass ejections, and space weather.

Solar Influence on the System: The Sun significantly shapes planetary evolution and weather, extending its impact to satellites, electronics, power systems, and even Earth’s climate.
Predicting Solar Storms: Continuous solar observations are essential for tracking Earth-bound solar storms and predicting their potential impacts.
Gateway through L1: All solar storms heading towards Earth pass through L1, making it a crucial point for monitoring.

The Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) engine, developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), is vital to the Aditya-L1 mission’s success.
LAM has played pivotal roles in missions like Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan-3.
LAM engines facilitate satellite and spacecraft orbital adjustments, conserving fuel and ensuring optimal positioning.