ADITYA L1 MISSION
1. Objective: The primary objective of the Aditya-L1 mission is to study the Sun, specifically focusing on its outermost layer, the solar corona. The mission aims to improve our understanding of the Sun's behavior, which has a direct impact on space weather and can affect communication, navigation systems, and power grids on Earth.
2. Launch Vehicle: The mission is planned to be launched using
India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). PSLV has a strong track record of launching a variety of satellites into different orbits.
3. Payloads: Aditya-L1 is expected to carry a suite of scientific instruments to observe the Sun, including:
- Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): To study the outermost layer of the solar corona.
- Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): To capture images and data in the ultraviolet (UV) region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): To study the composition and nature of solar wind and its properties.
- Solar Low-Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): To observe low-energy X-ray emissions from the Sun.
- Magnetometer: To measure the magnetic field on the Sun's surface and its variations.
4. Orbit: Aditya-L1 is intended to be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point (L1) of the Sun-Earth system. This unique orbit allows for continuous observation of the Sun without being blocked by the Earth.
5. Duration: The mission's duration is expected to be several years, during which it will provide valuable data to enhance our understanding of solar phenomena and their impact on space weather.
6. Scientific Significance: The Aditya-L1 mission is significant as it will contribute to solar science and our ability to predict solar activities that can impact Earth's technology and infrastructure. It will also complement other solar missions such as NASA's Parker Solar Probe and the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter.
7. Space Weather Prediction: One of the practical applications of the mission is to improve space weather prediction. Understanding solar activities is crucial for mitigating potential disruptions to satellite communications, GPS navigation, and power grids caused by solar storms.