The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for its next space mission, the Aditya-L1 solar mission. This mission marks India’s first dedicated mission to study the Sun. The launch of the Aditya-L1 mission is scheduled for Saturday at 11:50 IST from the launch pad at Sriharikota. ISRO has completed the launch rehearsal and vehicle internal checks in preparation for this significant solar mission. Aditya-L1 aims to study the Sun’s outermost layer, the corona, and help scientists better understand solar activities and their impact on Earth’s climate and communication systems.
The Aditya-L1 solar space observatory, which will be launched by the PSLV-C57, carries seven different payloads designed to study the Sun in detail. Among these payloads, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) is the largest and technically the most challenging. VELC will be responsible for observing visible light emissions from the Sun. It was integrated, tested, and calibrated at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics’ CREST (Centre for Research and Education in Science Technology) campus in Hosakote, in collaboration with ISRO. This mission represents a significant step in advancing India’s space capabilities for solar observation and research.
Aditya-L1 will be placed in a halo orbit around Lagrangian Point 1 (L1), which is situated approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth in the direction of the Sun. This strategic location offers several advantages, including the ability to continuously observe the Sun without interruptions caused by eclipses or occultation. It allows scientists to monitor solar activities and their impact on space weather in real time. Furthermore, the spacecraft’s data will assist in identifying the sequence of processes leading to solar eruptive events and contribute to a better understanding of space weather drivers. This mission is expected to provide valuable insights into solar phenomena and their effects on our technological infrastructure.
Aditya-L1 is a significant and fully indigenous mission that involves the collaboration of national institutions. It aims to provide observations of the solar corona and chromosphere using its UV payload, as well as monitor solar flares through its X-ray payloads. Additionally, the spacecraft is equipped with particle detectors and a magnetometer payload that will gather data on charged particles and the magnetic field as it reaches its halo orbit around Lagrangian Point 1 (L1). These observations and measurements will enhance our understanding of solar phenomena and their impact on space weather, contributing to scientific research and technological advancements.
The countdown for the PSLV-C57/Aditya-L1 Mission, aimed at conducting research about the Sun, has officially begun. The launch is scheduled for September 2, 2023, at 11:50 Hrs. IST. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) provided this information in a tweet and mentioned that the live broadcast of the launch can be watched at the designated location. The mission represents an important step in India’s space exploration efforts, focusing on solar observations and research.
