India Successfully Launches Its First Space-Based Solar Observatory Mission
India has achieved another major milestone in space exploration with the successful launch of its first space-based solar observatory mission. The mission, named Aditya-L1, was launched just 10 days after the country’s spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 made a soft landing on the lunar south pole.
The Aditya-L1 spacecraft, weighing over 3,264 pounds, took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota using the polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV-XL). It is set to cover a distance of 932,000 miles and will spend 125 days to reach its destination: a halo orbit around one of the Lagrangian points. These points lie between the sun and Earth and provide a continuous view of solar activities without any obstruction or eclipse.
Equipped with seven payloads, Aditya-L1 aims to observe solar activities and their impact on space weather in real time. The spacecraft will focus on studying three essential parts of the sun: the photosphere, chromosphere, and corona. Additionally, three instruments onboard will conduct on-site experiments to observe the local environment at Lagrangian point L1.
India’s foray into space-based solar observatories is a first for the country. While the United States, Europe, and China have conducted similar missions in the past, India has primarily relied on ground-based telescopes for sun observation until now.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) allocated around $46 million for the Aditya-L1 mission in 2019. Initially conceptualized in 2008 to study the solar corona, the mission was named Aditya, which means sun in Hindi. However, ISRO expanded its scope to include the study of solar and space environments, leading to its renaming to Aditya-L1.
India’s space agency has been garnering international attention for its recent achievements. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon was followed by a video showcasing the rover exploring the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3 is part of a series of missions aimed at aiding human landing on the moon in the future.
In addition to Aditya-L1, ISRO is actively pursuing other ambitious projects. One such project is the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space by 2025. The agency is also planning an unmanned mission to Venus.
India’s participation in joint space experiments with partner nations was solidified when the country became a signatory of NASA’s Artemis Accords. This partnership includes the training of Indian astronauts at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and future missions to the International Space Station.
Furthermore, ISRO and NASA are collaborating on a low-Earth observatory mission scheduled for 2024. This mission will map the entire planet in just 12 days and provide ongoing analysis of Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level, and natural disasters.
India’s space policy includes initiatives to promote private participation in space missions. With over 150 space tech startups already in operation, India is poised to make significant advancements in the launch vehicle, satellite, and Earth observatory sectors.
The successful launch of Aditya-L1 signifies India’s determination to explore the depths of space and expand its presence as a key player in the global space community. With ongoing missions and plans for the future, India’s space agency continues to push boundaries and inspire new generations in the field of space exploration.
