In a remarkable achievement, the Aditya L1 solar observatory, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) maiden solar mission, has successfully executed its final maneuver, reaching its designated orbit. Launched on September 2, 2023, the spacecraft underwent four earth-bound maneuvers and a Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) maneuver, all completed successfully.
ISRO Chief S Somanath announced on Monday that the spacecraft is scheduled to reach its Lagrangian point (L1) on January 6 at 4 pm, following the final maneuver to ensure its stability in this crucial position.
The primary objective of the Aditya L1 mission is to observe the Sun’s corona and comprehend its extreme heat. The spacecraft operates from a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1), strategically located about 1.5 million km away from Earth.
The Lagrange Point is a unique gravitational equilibrium region where the forces between the Earth and the Sun balance. While absolute neutralization is influenced by other celestial bodies like the Moon, Mars, and Venus, the L1 point offers a stable position for observational purposes.
This successful positioning of Aditya L1 at its final orbit marks a significant stride in India’s space exploration endeavors. The mission’s scientific goals, centered around understanding solar phenomena, are poised to contribute valuable insights into the Sun’s corona and enhance our understanding of the celestial dynamics at play in our solar system.
