The Aditya-L1 spacecraft, India’s first solar mission, has successfully reached the Lagrangian point (L1) and is now in a halo orbit. Launched on September 2, 2023, it took 127 days for the spacecraft to complete its 1.5 million km journey, finally arriving at its destination on January 6.
This precise maneuver was conducted by ISRO Scientists and Engineers at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru.
ISRO Aditya-L1 Successfully Placed in a Halo Orbit Around L1 point
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated a significant achievement as the Aditya-L1, India’s first solar observatory, successfully reached its designated position. The accomplishment reflects the unwavering commitment of our scientists in executing one of the most intricate space missions. Mr. Modi expressed his admiration for this remarkable feat on his social media account.
Launched on September 2, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Aditya-L1 underwent several maneuvers before initiating the Trans-Lagrangian 1 insertion maneuver on September 19. This marked the beginning of its 110-day trajectory to reach its destination around the L1 point, located approximately 1.5 million km from Earth.
The unique placement of the Aditya-L1 satellite in a halo orbit around the L1 point allows for uninterrupted observation of the Sun without any occultation or eclipse. Equipped with seven payloads, Aditya-L1 will study the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outer layers of the Sun using electromagnetic and particle detectors.
The strategic positioning at L1 provides a distinct advantage, with four payloads directly observing the Sun and the remaining three conducting in-situ studies of particles and fields. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) outlines that the satellite will maintain an irregularly shaped orbit around L1 throughout its mission life, which spans five years.
During this time, Aditya-L1’s payloads are expected to yield crucial information on coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare and flare activities, dynamics of space weather, and the propagation of particles and fields. This pioneering solar observatory aims to contribute significantly to our understanding of these solar phenomena.
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What are Lagrange Points?
As per information from ISRO, Lagrange Points refer to specific locations in space where a small object naturally stays in a two-body gravitational system. These points are applicable to systems like the Sun and Earth, allowing spacecraft to efficiently maintain their position with minimal fuel usage. In total, there are five Lagrange points denoted as L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 for such gravitational setups.
What is the L1 point?
The L1 point is situated about 1.5 million km away from Earth, along the Sun-Earth line. It’s approximately 1% of the distance between the Earth and the Sun. Placing a satellite in a halo orbit around L1 comes with a significant benefit – it allows for uninterrupted views of the Sun, avoiding any occultation or eclipse. This setup offers a distinct advantage for continuous observation of solar activities.
Currently, there are four operational spacecraft positioned at L1: WIND, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE), and Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVER).
Aditya-L1 Timeline
Aditya-L1 embarked on its journey to the Lagrangian point (L1) on September 2. The PSLV launched the spacecraft from Sriharikota, positioning it in an elliptical orbit measuring 235×19500 km around Earth.
Following that, ISTRC in Bengaluru conducted four maneuvers on Earth between September 3 and September 15 to refine the spacecraft’s orbit.
On September 3, the first maneuver adjusted the orbit to 245 km x 22459 km. The second maneuver on September 5 positioned it in a 282 km x 40225 km orbit. The third maneuver on September 10 placed the spacecraft in a 296 km x 71767 km orbit. The fourth maneuver on September 15 further fine-tuned the orbit to 256 km x 121973 km.
On September 19, Aditya-L1 initiated the Trans-Lagrangian1 insertion maneuver, marking the beginning of its 110-day trajectory towards the destination around the L1 point.
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ISRO Aditya-L1 FAQs
Q.1. When was Aditya-L1 launched?
Ans. Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Q.2. How long did it take for Aditya-L1 to reach the Lagrangian point (L1)?
Ans. Aditya-L1 completed its 1.5 million km journey to L1 in 127 days, arriving at its destination on January 6.
Q.3. What is the significance of a halo orbit around L1?
Ans. A halo orbit allows uninterrupted solar observation without occultation or eclipse, a unique advantage for Aditya-L1.
Q.4. What will Aditya-L1 study in its mission?
Ans. Aditya-L1, with seven payloads, will study the Sun’s photosphere, chromosphere, and outer layers using electromagnetic and particle detectors.
Q.5. Why is the L1 point strategically important?
Ans. The L1 point, 1.5 million km away from Earth, allows spacecraft to efficiently maintain position with minimal fuel usage, providing continuous observation of solar activities.
