Meet ISRO’s Aditya-L1: After Moon, it's time for Sun

Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Manoj Kumar

After a successful execution of Chandrayaan-3 mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to launch Aditya-L1, India's next space mission focused on studying the Sun, in September 2023. It aims to gain insights into solar dynamics, coronal heating, and space weather by placing a spacecraft in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system.

Aditya-L1: India's Solar Study Mission

With this milestone, India proudly becomes the first nation to accomplish the remarkable feat of landing a spacecraft on the Lunar South Pole. Chandrayaan-3 mission highlights India's technological advancement in space exploration, drawing global attention for its ambitious and pioneering spirit.

First in the world: India's breakthrough

The spacecraft will be positioned in a halo orbit around L1, about 1.5 million km from Earth. This location offers continuous and unobstructed views of the Sun, enabling real-time observations of solar activities without any eclipses or occultation.

Halo Orbit Advantage

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Aditya-L1 carries a total of seven payloads, designed to comprehensively study the Sun's photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. These payloads include electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors.

Payloads Overview

Four payloads have been dedicated to remote sensing. These instruments will directly observe the Sun, capturing crucial data about its chromosphere and corona. They will provide insights into coronal heating, CMEs, flares, and other solar phenomena.

Remote Sensing Payloads 

The remote sensing payloads will also contribute to understanding of the magnetic field topology, plasma temperature, velocity, and density in the solar corona. They will aid in identifying the processes leading to solar eruptive events.

Payload’s Functions

Aditya-L1 features three in-situ observation payloads. These instruments will study the local particle and plasma environment at L1. They provide data crucial for understanding particle dynamics originating from the Sun.

In-Situ Observation Payloads

The in-situ payloads on Aditya-L1 will contribute to unravelling the physics of the partially ionised plasma, space weather drivers, and the dynamics of solar wind. They will also offer essential information about solar wind composition and its effects.

The Study 

The primary science objectives of Aditya-L1 is to study the upper atmospheric dynamics, coronal heating, flare initiation, CME development, and the magnetic field's role in solar phenomena. Additionally, the mission aims to identify processes leading to space weather.

Science Objectives

Aditya-L1's findings are expected to revolutionise our understanding of the Sun's behaviour, contributing to advancements in space weather prediction, technology protection, and fundamental solar physics. The mission is a significant step forward for India's space exploration endeavours.

Impact and Discoveries

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