The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) plans to employ a Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) identical to those used in previous Mars and Moon missions for the upcoming Aditya-L1 mission, designed to study the Sun. The LAM, developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, is crucial for placing the Aditya spacecraft in a halo orbit at Lagrangian point L1, approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. This unique orbit enables uninterrupted observation of the Sun, allowing real-time monitoring of solar activities and their impact on space weather. The mission, featuring seven payloads, marks India’s first space-based solar study.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM): A powerful engine used for orbital adjustment maneuvers of satellites and spacecraft, playing a vital role in placing Aditya-L1 in its intended orbit.
- Lagrangian Point L1 (L1): A point in space where the gravitational forces of the Earth and Sun balance, allowing for stable orbits. Aditya-L1 will be placed in a halo orbit at this point for solar observation.
- PSLV-XL Launch Vehicle: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL is the rocket selected for launching the Aditya-L1 spacecraft into its designated orbit.
- Halo Orbit: An orbit around a Lagrangian point that offers continuous and unobstructed views of celestial bodies, making it ideal for solar observation.
- Electromagnetic Particle and Magnetic Field Detectors: Instruments onboard the Aditya-L1 spacecraft designed to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the Sun’s outermost layer (corona), providing valuable data about the Sun’s characteristics and activities.
