The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported a Trajectory Correction Maneuver (TCM) performed by the Aditya-L1 spacecraft on October 6, ensuring it remains on its intended path toward the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1).
The Aditya-L1 spacecraft successfully departed Earth's sphere of influence on September 30, marking the start of its journey to L1, situated 1.5 million kilometers from Earth in the direction of the Sun.
This solar mission launch followed ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing mission and signifies India's growing presence in space exploration.
Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven payloads, four of which will study the Sun's light, while the remaining three will measure in-situ parameters of plasma and magnetic fields.
The mission's primary objectives include studying the physics of the solar corona, solar wind acceleration, solar atmosphere dynamics, solar wind distribution, and the origins of Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) and solar flares, along with their impact on near-Earth space weather.
The study of the Sun is of great importance due to its role in shaping the solar system's environment, particularly its impact on Earth and space weather events.
Investigating the Sun's corona, which is hotter than its surface, is a central focus of the mission, with the aim of uncovering the mechanisms responsible for its heating.
Understanding solar wind acceleration and the dynamics of the solar atmosphere is crucial for protecting astronauts and spacecraft from the Sun's radiation and space weather effects.
Aditya-L1's mission aligns with ISRO's commitment to advancing space science and expanding humanity's knowledge of the cosmos.
The successful execution of this mission is expected to mark another significant milestone for India's space program and contribute to global knowledge of the Sun's behavior and its influence on the solar system.