The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to mark a significant milestone with the launch of the Aditya-L1 mission on September 2 from Sriharikota. This mission holds profound implications, as Aditya-L1 will become India’s inaugural space-based observatory dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the Sun.
Pioneering the Aditya-L1 Mission
Dubbed “Aditya” – meaning “Sun” in Sanskrit – this pioneering mission represents a forthcoming coronagraphy spacecraft meticulously crafted by ISRO in collaboration with multiple Indian research institutions. This undertaking stands as India’s maiden endeavor dedicated solely to scrutinizing our nearest star, the Sun. The mission’s transportation to space will be facilitated by the potent PSLV-XL launch vehicle.
Objective of Mission
Aditya-L1’s primary objective revolves around investigating the solar atmosphere, particularly the outermost layer known as the solar corona. This crucial effort aims to enhance our comprehension of phenomena like coronal heating, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), pre-flare and flare activities, space weather dynamics, and the propagation of particles and fields.
Strategic Orbital Placement
The spacecraft is slated to be positioned in a halo orbit encircling the first Lagrange point (L1) within the Sun-Earth system. This strategic vantage point offers an unparalleled advantage, as it enables continuous observation of the Sun devoid of any obstruction or eclipses. This unimpeded view is instrumental in real-time monitoring of solar activities and their repercussions on space weather. L1 resides at a distance of approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth, and the journey to this point is anticipated to span over 120 days.
Seven Payloads, One Comprehensive Mission
Aditya-L1 hosts an array of seven payloads, meticulously designed to scrutinize distinct layers of the Sun’s atmosphere. Four of these payloads are dedicated to direct solar observation, encompassing the photosphere (the sun’s deepest observable layer), chromosphere (located around 400 to 2,100 kilometers above the photosphere), and the outermost corona. Additionally, three payloads are designated for in situ analysis of particles and fields at the L1 point.
Unveiling the Payloads
Among the payloads tailored for solar scrutiny, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) will focus on corona imaging and spectroscopy, including the study of CMEs. The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) is designated for photosphere and chromosphere imaging. The Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) will contribute to observing the Sun as a star in soft X-rays, while the High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) will provide insights through hard X-ray observations.
For in situ study at the L1 point, the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) and Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA) will respectively analyze protons and heavier ions, as well as electrons and heavier ions with directional precision. Additionally, the Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers will delve into in situ magnetic field investigations.
Significance of Lagrange Point 1
Lagrange points are celestial locations where the gravitational forces between two massive bodies, such as the Earth and the Sun, balance the centripetal force required for a smaller object to remain in sync with them. The L1 point, positioned within the Earth-Sun system, offers an uninterrupted view of the Sun. This strategic locale is currently occupied by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory Satellite (SOHO), while NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope is stationed at L2.
Sun Studies: Unveiling Vital Insights
The Sun plays a pivotal role in the evolution of planets, including Earth and even exoplanets beyond our solar system. The solar weather and environment exert a profound influence on the broader system. Variations in solar conditions can perturb satellite orbits, compromise electronics, and cause disruptions on Earth such as power blackouts. Gaining insights into solar events is pivotal for comprehending space weather and predicting the impact of Earth-directed solar storms, which invariably traverse through the L1 point.
UPSC Mains Questions
- How does the Aditya-L1 mission’s focus on the solar corona contribute to understanding phenomena like coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and space weather dynamics?
- Explain the strategic advantage of positioning Aditya-L1 at the Lagrange point 1 (L1) in terms of continuous solar observation and real-time space weather monitoring.
- Detail the specific payloads designed for direct solar observation and in situ analysis at the L1 point, and elucidate their roles in advancing our understanding of the Sun.
- How does the study of the Sun’s behavior, conducted by missions like Aditya-L1, have a direct impact on mitigating potential disruptions caused by solar events on Earth’s technology and infrastructure?