ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission has recently embarked on a remarkable 110-day journey to the Sun-Earth L1 point, signifying another commendable milestone for the Indian space research community.

The Remarkable Trajectory to Trans-Lagrangean Point 1
 

• The Aditya-L1 spacecraft, in an early morning maneuver, was set on its course towards the Sun-Earth L1 point. This point is situated an impressive 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. The significance of the Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 trajectory lies in its ability to maintain the spacecraft in a location where the gravitational forces of both the Sun and Earth will counteract each other, establishing equilibrium.
• It's worth highlighting that this is the fifth time ISRO has adeptly placed an object on a trajectory leading to another spatial entity or a specific location in the vast expanse of space.

• Pioneering the Halo Orbit around the L1 Point
   

• Upon reaching the L1 point after a nearly four-month journey, the Solar observatory plans to position itself in a halo orbit. This mission is groundbreaking as it marks the first time an Indian spacecraft will establish an orbit around a spatial point, as opposed to a celestial body such as Earth, Moon, or Mars.
• Mission director Nigar Shaji has mentioned the novelty of this halo orbit insertion at the L1 point, emphasizing that this particular feat is a first for ISRO.

• Advantages of the L1 Point for Solar Observations
   

• The chosen L1 point, which is merely 1% of the distance between Earth and the Sun, offers a unique advantage. It ensures an uninterrupted view of the Sun, as no celestial entity can create an eclipsing effect. Furthermore, this strategic point allows comprehensive studies of the Sun without disturbances from Earth's atmospheric dust or the atmospheric and magnetic fields. Such interference often prevents certain radiations, such as UV radiation, from the Sun from reaching Earth.
   

• State-of-the-Art Instruments aboard Aditya-L1
   

• The observatory-class spacecraft boasts an array of seven advanced scientific instruments. Among them, the Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) stands out, having already begun its data collection phase. It's primarily tasked with measuring high-temperature, energetic particles present in solar winds.
• The STEPS instrument, equipped with six sensors each directed in varying orientations, was activated after the spacecraft traveled beyond 50,000 kilometers from Earth. Such a vast distance, which is over eight times the Earth's radius, ensures that the spacecraft has effectively exited Earth's radiation zone. As a result, observations commenced post the completion of requisite instrument health evaluations.
• The valuable data procured during the Earth orbits will provide scientists with insights into particle behavior around our planet, particularly under the influence of Earth's magnetic field.

ISRO's First Sun-Centric Mission: Aditya L1
 

• The Aditya L1 mission, representing ISRO's inaugural space-based venture aimed at the Sun, was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 2. This ambitious project underscores India's commitment to expanding its horizons in space research and exploration.
   
• Conclusion
   
•  ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission to the Sun-Earth L1 point is a testament to India's advancing space capabilities and determination to pioneer innovative research in space science.