‘Aditya L1 was deliberate in 2008 however…’: Ex-ISRO scientist on India’s first Sun mission

As India’s pioneering space-based photo voltaic observatory mission, Aditya L1, gears up for its imminent launch this Saturday, insights from a former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist reveal its early conception over 15 years in the past, nevertheless it was initially deliberate for a Near-Earth orbit at round 800 km.

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“Aditya was planned for 2008 itself for going into Near-Earth orbit…to go around the Earth and then keep looking at the Sun and give data… ISRO has had a plan for space exploration for quite some time and more than 15 years. ISRO also has to take up further challenges of interplanetary missions…,” former ISRO Scientist Dr YS Rajan, a recipient of the 2012 Padma Shri award for his contributions to science and engineering, informed news company ANI. Rajan additionally co-authored “India 2020: A Vision for the New Millennium” with former President A P J Abdul Kalam.

ISRO chief Somanath offers newest updates on Aditya L1 launch

The impending Aditya L1 launch has been confirmed for Saturday, with ISRO Chief S Somanath offering the newest updates, assuring that each one techniques are primed for lift-off. “We are just getting ready for the launch. Rocket and satellite are ready. We completed the rehearsal for the launch. Tomorrow we have to start the countdown for the launch day after tomorrow.”

Aditya L1 missions detailed schedule

The forthcoming journey of the Aditya L1 mission, from its launch to its arrival on the L1 level throughout the Sun-Earth system, is projected to span roughly 4 months. Here’s an summary of the levels resulting in the Lagrange level 1:

1. Launch: ISRO’s PSLV XL rocket will provoke the Aditya L1 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.

2. Initial Orbit: The spacecraft will probably be initially positioned in a Low Earth Orbit.

3. Elliptical Orbit: Subsequently, the orbit will probably be modified to attain a extra elliptical trajectory.

4. Exit from Earth’s Gravitational Sphere of Influence (SOI): Utilizing onboard propulsion, the spacecraft will probably be propelled in direction of the Lagrange level. This section entails breaking free from Earth’s gravitational pull.

5. Cruise Phase: After departing Earth’s SOI, the mission’s cruise section will start.

6. Halo Orbit: Ultimately, the spacecraft will probably be inserted right into a spacious halo orbit encircling the Lagrange level (L1).