The Sun is the planet Earth’s primary source of energy and life. It also affects the Earth’s climate, weather, communication, navigation, and power systems. However, there are still many mysteries and challenges in understanding the Sun and its impact on the Earth. To address these, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Aditya L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, on September 2, 2023.
Aditya L1 is a scientific mission dedicated to study the Sun and its influence on the Earth. The mission aims to provide valuable insights into the solar corona, solar wind, solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and space weather. The mission also aims to enhance India’s capabilities and contributions in the field of solar physics and space science.
In this article, we will explain the mission objectives, payloads, and achievements of Aditya L1.
Mission Objectives
The main objectives of Aditya L1 are:
- To study the solar corona, which is the part of the Sun’s atmosphere that is closest to the surface. The corona is visible only during a total solar eclipse, and is much hotter and brighter than the solar surface. The corona is also the source of the solar wind, which is a stream of charged particles that flows from the Sun and interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field.
- To study the solar wind and its variations, which affect the Earth’s magnetosphere, ionosphere, and upper atmosphere. The solar wind can also cause geomagnetic storms, which can disrupt power grids, satellites, communication systems, and navigation systems. The solar wind can also create auroras, which are beautiful displays of lights in the polar regions.
- To study the solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which are sudden and intense eruptions of energy and matter from the Sun. These events can release huge amounts of radiation and magnetic fields, which can damage spacecraft, astronauts, and electronic devices. They can also affect the Earth’s climate and ozone layer.
- To study the space weather, which is the term used to describe the changing conditions in the space environment due to the Sun’s activity. Space weather can have significant impacts on the Earth and human activities, such as agriculture, health, security, and economy. Space weather can also affect the exploration and utilization of space resources.
Mission Payloads
Aditya L1 carries seven scientific payloads, which are instruments designed to perform specific measurements and observations. These payloads are:
- Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): This is the main payload of the mission, which will observe the solar corona in visible and near-infrared wavelengths. It will measure the coronal magnetic field, temperature, density, and velocity. It will also capture images and spectra of the corona and the solar disk.
- Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): This payload will observe the solar photosphere and chromosphere, which are the inner layers of the Sun’s atmosphere. It will measure the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the Sun, which affects the Earth’s ozone layer and climate. It will also study the sunspots, which are dark regions on the solar surface caused by magnetic fields.
- Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): This payload will measure the soft X-ray radiation emitted by the Sun, which is associated with the solar flares and coronal heating. It will monitor the Sun as a star, and detect any changes in its activity and brightness.
- High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS): This payload will measure the hard X-ray radiation emitted by the Sun, which is also related to the solar flares and coronal heating. It will also monitor the Sun as a star, and detect any variations in its activity and luminosity.
- Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): This payload will measure the solar wind particles, such as protons and heavier ions, and their directions. It will study the origin, acceleration, and propagation of the solar wind, and its interaction with the Earth’s magnetic field.
- Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): This payload will measure the solar wind particles, such as electrons and heavier ions, and their directions. It will also study the origin, acceleration, and transport of the solar wind, and its impact on the Earth’s environment.
- Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers: This payload will measure the in-situ magnetic field of the space environment around the spacecraft. It will help in understanding the dynamics of the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere.
Mission Achievements
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota launched Aditya L1 at 11:50 am IST on September 2, 2023, using a PSLV-XL rocket. The spacecraft was launched successfully and placed in a halo orbit around Sun-Earth’s Lagrange point 1 (L1). L1, 1.5 million km from Earth, is where the Sun and Earth’s gravitational forces balance. With this path, the spaceship can always see the Sun without Earth or Moon obstruction.
After four months, the spacecraft reached its final orbit and began scientific operations. After activation and calibration, the payloads sent data and photos to the ground station. The five-year project will reveal the Sun’s impact on Earth.
ISRO’s first space-based solar observatory, Aditya L1, is a milestone for Indian space exploration. India’s solar physics and space science skills will improve with the project. By enhancing solar phenomenon comprehension and prediction and their effects on Earth, the project will help scientists and society.
Conclusion
Aditya L1 is a space-based solar observatory launched by ISRO to study the Sun and its influence on the Earth. The mission seeks to understand the solar corona, solar wind, flares, CMEs, and space weather. It also aims to enhance India’s capabilities and contributions in the field of solar physics and space science. It carries seven scientific payloads, which will observe and measure various aspects of the Sun and the space environment. The mission launched on September 2, 2023, and orbited L1 after four months. The mission is expected to last for five years, and will provide valuable information and insights into the Sun and its impact on the Earth.