Aditya-L1 Starts Scientific Experiments To Probe Earth's Particle Dynamics

India's first space-based solar observatory, Aditya-L1, has started its scientific experiments. A remote sensing payload onboard the spacecraft has begun measuring suprathermal ions, or very energetic particles, and electrons at distances greater than 50,000 kilometers from Earth.

The measurements are being made by the sensors of an instrument called the Supra Thermal & Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in a mission update that STEPS has started collecting scientific data.

Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2, 2023. It is currently on its way to its final orbit around the Lagrangian Point 1 (L1) point, which is located about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth in the Sun-Earth direction. L1 is a point where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth balance each other out, allowing Aditya-L1 to maintain a stable orbit.

ISRO has announced that the spacecraft is scheduled to undergo the Trans-Lagrangian Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) during the night between Monday and Tuesday.

The TL1 insertion, a launch from Earth, is set to take place on September 19 at approximately 2:00 am IST. This event marks the initiation of a nearly 110-day voyage to reach the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 (L1), positioned approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth.

The Aditya-L1 mission, which was launched on September 2, has the primary objective of studying various aspects of the Sun, including its photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. Additionally, it will investigate the dynamics of space weather and the behavior of particles and fields in the vicinity.

To date, the spacecraft has successfully completed four Earth-bound maneuvers, with the TL1I serving as the commencement of its journey toward the L1 point.

The Lagrange point L1 provides an unobstructed and constant view of the Sun, rendering it an ideal vantage point for monitoring solar activities and their influence on space weather. Once Aditya-L1 reaches this position, it will enter a halo orbit and remain stationed there for the duration of its mission. This strategic orbital placement guarantees uninterrupted and continuous observation of the Sun, free from any potential occultation or eclipses.