ISRO Makes History: Aditya-L1 Completes its First Halo Orbit in 178 Days

India’s first solar observatory has finally completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1). This proud moment was announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officials working on the mission.

The objective of this mission is to study the sun and its peculiar features like variations in magnetic field strength. The satellite took a total of 178 days to complete its orbit.

What is Aditya L1 Mission?

Aditya-L1 Mission is India’s first solar mission made possible by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Initially called Aditya-1, the mission was later renamed Aditya-L1. The satellite is placed at Lagrangian point L1 of Sun. 

Aditya-L1 is ISRO's second space-based astronomy mission, aimed at studying the Sun. The first mission was named AstroSat. Initially named Aditya-1, the mission was originally designed to observe only the solar corona but later ISRO decided to increase its objectives.

Aditya-L1 satellite is devoted to studying the Sun and is equipped with seven payloads. It will use electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors to study the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost regions of the Sun, known as the corona.

Objective of Aditya L1 Mission

The main goal of the Aditya-L1 mission is to use solar data to track storms heading towards Earth and predict their impacts. It aims to study the Sun's photosphere, chromosphere, and corona, as well as changes in the Sun's magnetic field and particle emissions.

Challenges Faced by L1 While in Halo Orbit

The satellite experienced a number of perturbing effects while in the halo orbit, which contributed to its departure from the intended orbit.

The satellite had to perform two station-keeping maneuvers on February 22 and June 7 in order to keep its orbit in place.

The satellite performed its third station-keeping maneuver on Tuesday. According to the space agency, it has now "continued into the second halo orbit path around L1".

Also Read: How will RBI's Project Nexus Benefit Indians in Foreign? Know What is Project Nexus and Countries Associated

Aditya L1 was Launched on

Aditya L1 satellite was launched on September 2, 2023, by the indigenous rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle - XL (PSLV-XL) variant.

What is L1 Point?

Sun-Earth L1 Point is approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. It is the point at which the gravitational force of the Sun and the Earth equalizes, preventing the satellite from gravitating in either direction.

One of the benefits of this location is that it allows for uninterrupted Sun observation. 

Also Read: SpaceX to Rescue: Will NASA Turn to Elon Musk's SpaceX to Bring Back Sunita Williams?

Also Read: How will RBI's Project Nexus Benefit Indians in Foreign? Know What is Project Nexus and Countries Associated