Aditya L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory successfully reaches orbit around L1: PM Modi

Aditya L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory has successfully reached an orbit around its intended destination: the Sun-Earth Lagrangian Point L1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on microblogging platform X at 4:11 pm.

Nigar Shaji, project director of the solar mission on Friday had told ET the final manoeuvre would involve the firing of thrusters for a short period of time, which will end at 4 pm. Aditya L1 has 12 thrusters.

“India creates yet another landmark. India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 reaches its destination. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realising among the most complex and intricate space missions. I join the nation in applauding this extraordinary feat. We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X.

Also read | ETtech Explainer: Aditya-L1 anticipated to reach Sun-Earth Lagrangian Point on Jan 6, why is this significant?

President Droupadi Murmu, in a post on X, said this is another grand feat accomplished by ISRO.

“As part of India’s maiden solar mission, Aditya L1, the observatory has been placed in the final orbit and reached its destination at Lagrange Point 1,” she said.

“Congratulations to the entire Indian scientist community for the great achievement! This mission will enhance our knowledge of the Sun-Earth System and benefit the entire humanity. Significant participation of women scientists in ISRO missions takes women empowerment too onto a higher orbit,” Murmu said. Incidentally, the Aditya L1 mission is led by a female mission director — Nigar Shaji.

Minister of State for Space Jitendra Singh said, “From Moon walk to Sun Dance! What a glorious turn of year for Bharat! Under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi, yet another success story scripted by Team #ISRO. #AdityaL1 reaches its final orbit to discover the mysteries of the Sun-Earth connection.”

Aditya L1 carries seven payloads. While four payloads will observe light from the Sun, three payloads will measure in-situ (in original position) parameters of the plasma and magnetic fields.

It was launched from the Sriharikota spaceport on September 2.

The Sun-Earth Lagrangian Point L1 is 1.5 million km from Earth, and Aditya L1 reached its destination after a 126-day journey. It will study the Sun’s outer atmosphere without any interference from eclipses or external disruptions. Data collected around L1 would provide insights into the origin, acceleration and anisotropy of solar wind and space weather phenomena.

It will be in a halo orbit around L1 in the direction of the Sun, and would revolve around the Sun with the same relative position and hence can see the Sun continuously.

The suits of Aditya L1 payloads are expected to provide crucial information to understand the problem of coronal heating, coronal mass ejection, pre-flare, flare activities and their characteristics, dynamics of space weather, propagation of particles and fields etc.