(Source – Business Standard)
On the upcoming Saturday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to execute the conclusive maneuver to position India’s Aditya-L1 space probe into a halo orbit, marking the solar space observatory’s ultimate destination approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. The critical orbital adjustment will be accomplished through the activation of a cluster of thrusters, with the operation tentatively scheduled to conclude around 4 pm on the specified day.
The Aditya-L1 space probe embarked on its mission on September 2, initiating its trajectory towards the Sun-Earth Lagrange’s Point 1 (L1) on September 18. This final maneuver on Saturday signifies a significant milestone in the extensive journey of the solar space observatory.
Precise calculations to achieve the desired orbit
The transition to a halo orbit, characterized by an elliptical path around the Lagrange point, will position Aditya-L1 optimally for its solar observations. Lagrange points, stable regions in space where gravitational forces balance, offer a unique vantage point for scientific observations, allowing the space probe to maintain a relatively constant position relative to the Earth and the Sun.
The Aditya-L1 mission, named after the Sun in Sanskrit, aims to study various aspects of the Sun, including its outermost layer, the corona, and the impact of solar activities on the Earth’s climate. The sophisticated instrumentation onboard the space probe will enable scientists to gather valuable data, enhancing our understanding of solar phenomena and their potential influence on space weather.
The firing of the thrusters on Saturday represents a meticulous operation guided by precise calculations to achieve the desired orbit. The timing and duration of the thruster activation have been carefully planned to ensure the seamless transition of Aditya-L1 into its designated halo orbit. Once in the halo orbit, the solar observatory will be well-positioned to carry out its scientific objectives, contributing to advancements in solar and space research.
The Aditya-L1 mission exemplifies India’s commitment to space exploration and scientific research, solidifying its position as a key player in the global space community. The successful execution of this final maneuver will mark a crucial phase in the mission’s timeline, paving the way for extensive solar observations and the acquisition of valuable scientific insights. As Aditya-L1 approaches its designated orbit, anticipation builds among scientists and space enthusiasts for the groundbreaking discoveries that await within the realm of solar exploration.
The orbits remain significantly distant
India’s inaugural space-based solar observatory, the Aditya-L1 satellite, is on the verge of reaching its culmination. Set to settle into its designated orbit for the next five years, the celestial journey initiated on September 2, covering approximately 3.7 million kilometers through a circuitous route to its “karambhoomi” or “land of action.” The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that Aditya-L1 is anticipated to arrive at its destination orbit on January 6 at 4 pm.
Throughout its 126-day odyssey, Aditya-L1 has demonstrated robust health, and scientific findings have already commenced, with the satellite transmitting captivating images of the full disc of the Sun. The spacecraft’s “home” is situated in a halo-shaped orbit, positioned about 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. Despite its proximity to the Sun relative to Earth, the orbit remains significantly distant, given that the Sun is approximately 150 million kilometers away from our planet.
