New Delhi: Following the successful initiation of experiments by rover Pragyan on the Moon, India’s space agency, ISRO, is poised to introduce its inaugural solar research space observatory, Aditya-L1. Positioned at Sriharikota, the country’s main spaceport, the Aditya-L1 mission is primed to launch.
Key Objectives of Aditya-L1:
Designed for solar research, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft will conduct remote observations of the solar corona and scrutinize the solar atmosphere. A focal study will be the solar winds, which can lead to disturbances on Earth and manifest as “auroras.” The mission’s data has the potential to enhance comprehension of the sun’s influence on Earth’s climate patterns.
Launch and Travel Details:
The satellite has arrived at Sriharikota, and ISRO’s Chief, S Somanath, has indicated that the exact launch date will be revealed within two days. Anticipated in the first week of September, the space agency aims for a September 2 launch. The Aditya-L1 will journey approximately 1.5 million kilometers via India’s robust launch vehicle, the PSLV, to reach Lagrange point 1 (L1). This strategic location will leverage gravitational forces for stability, conserving fuel consumption for the spacecraft.
Mission Costs and Significance:
Noteworthy for its cost-efficiency, ISRO has consistently demonstrated world-class competitiveness in space engineering. Aditya-L1, crafted at nearly half the cost of Chandrayaan-3, received a government allocation of ₹378 crore in 2019 for the mission’s study of the Sun’s atmosphere. This mission underscores India’s pursuit of cutting-edge space endeavors while maintaining a cost-effective approach.
With Aditya-L1’s imminent launch, ISRO continues its trajectory of pioneering space exploration, enriching scientific understanding, and fostering an increasingly competitive domestic space industry.
