Aditya-L1, ISRO's first solar spacecraft successfully enters Sun's final orbit

Digital Desk: India marked a significant achievement in space exploration as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully executed the Halo-Orbit Insertion (HOI) of its solar observatory spacecraft, Aditya-L1, on January 6, 2024. 

The final destination for Aditya-L1 is a periodic Halo orbit approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth along the Sun-Earth line, allowing for continuous observation of the Sun's chromospheric and coronal dynamics.

The mission, developed at the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with collaboration from various ISRO centers, was launched on September 2, 2023, aboard PSLV-C57 from SDSC SHAR. 

The spacecraft, initially in an elliptical parking orbit (EPO), underwent a series of intricate maneuvers using its onboard propulsion system to progressively increase its orbital size. Five liquid engine burns during the Earth orbit phase, culminating in the trans-L1 injection maneuver, propelled Aditya-L1 towards the Lagrangian point L1.

To address trajectory errors during the trans-L1 injection phase, two corrective burns—TCM-1 on October 5, 2023, and TCM-2 on December 14, 2023—were conducted. 

These adjustments ensured compliance with Halo orbit insertion condition parameters, securing a continuous, unobstructed view of the Sun. 

The spacecraft, undergoing a cruise phase lasting approximately 110 days, achieved its present condition in preparation for the successful HOI on January 6, 2024.

The Aditya-L1 mission is dedicated to observing and understanding the Sun's chromospheric and coronal dynamics, with a selected Halo orbit guaranteeing a mission lifetime of five years while minimizing station-keeping maneuvers and fuel consumption. 

Taking to platform X, the ISRO wrote, "Greetings from Aditya-L1! I've safely arrived at Lagrange Point L1, 1.5 million km from my home planet. 🌍Excited to be far away, yet intimately connected to unravel the solar mysteries."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the scientists behind this extraordinary feat, recognizing their dedication and contribution to India's space exploration endeavors.

Taking to X, he wrote, "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 realizing 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."