The Aditya-L1 mission, which commenced on September 2, 2023, has been an expedition characterized by meticulousness and technological expertise. It has encompassed various maneuvers conducted on Earth and a Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) maneuver.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is gearing up for a significant moment in its inaugural solar mission, the Aditya-L1. The success of this mission hinges on a critical firing maneuver scheduled for January 6. Isro Chairman S Somanath has emphasized the importance of this final burn, which aims to align the spacecraft with the L1 point at around 4 pm on Saturday. Since its launch on September 2, 2023, the Aditya-L1 mission has been a testament to precision and technological expertise, involving various maneuvers on Earth and a Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) maneuver.
However, all of these carefully planned actions culminate in the pivotal moment that will ultimately determine the fate of the spacecraft – the ultimate ignition.
During a press conference held after the successful launch of PSLV-C58 carrying XPoSat, Chairman Somanath elucidated the crucial significance of the upcoming maneuver. He emphasized, “Should we neglect the final burn, the spacecraft will veer off and venture towards the Sun, propelled by its larger mass.”
This declaration underscores the intricate equilibrium that must be achieved in order to establish a stable orbit around the L1 point, a gravitational balance situated 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth in the direction of the Sun.
The L1 point provides a distinct advantage for continuous observation of the sun, as it is unaffected by eclipses. Aditya-L1’s mission goals involve studying solar activities like coronal mass ejections and solar flares, which have significant implications for understanding space weather and its impact on satellite communications and power grids on Earth. The final maneuver is not only about reaching the intended destination, but also ensuring the spacecraft’s longevity in its orbit. Somanath added, “Once it is completed, the spacecraft will be trapped in orbit, but this is not a permanent state. We still need to periodically make adjustments to maintain its position.” This highlights the fact that even after successfully entering the halo orbit around L1, the spacecraft will need regular fine-tuning to preserve its position. A failure in this maneuver could divert Aditya-L1 off its intended course, potentially jeopardizing years of hard work and investment. Isro remains optimistic about successfully executing the final maneuver.