India’s space endeavors have reached new heights with the Aditya-L1 mission, a solar probe on its way to explore the mysteries of our sun. Recently, this remarkable spacecraft took a captivating selfie while en route to Lagrange Point 1 (L1). The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) shared this extraordinary image, along with snapshots of Earth and the Moon, captured by the probe’s camera.
Aditya-L1: A Journey to the Sun
Aditya-L1 embarked on its groundbreaking mission on September 2, 2023, when it was launched aboard a polar launch satellite vehicle from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Its mission: to study the sun like never before. Equipped with seven diverse payloads, Aditya-L1 is set to unravel the sun’s secrets with precision.
On September 4, during its four-month-long journey to L1, Aditya-L1 decided to take a memorable selfie. Its camera captured a stunning image that included its largest payload, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), and the SUIT instruments. This remarkable self-portrait symbolizes not only the probe’s progress but also its potential to revolutionize solar science.
Aditya-L1’s camera didn’t stop at its selfie. On the very same day, it turned its lens towards Earth and our celestial neighbor, the Moon. The resulting images are awe-inspiring, offering a unique perspective of our home planet and its only natural satellite from the depths of space.
Aditya-L1’s journey has been marked by significant milestones. On September 4, the probe successfully executed its second Earth-bound maneuver, achieving an orbit of 282 km x 40,225 km. This accomplishment showcases the precision and expertise of ISRO’s team.
Next Stop: Lagrange Point 1 (L1):
The Aditya-L1 mission will reach its zenith when the probe reaches Lagrange Point 1 (L1), located a staggering 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth in the direction of the sun. There, it will orbit the sun, equipped with its seven payloads designed to study the sun’s corona, solar wind, magnetic fields, and more.
Read Now:Biden Administration Cancels Oil and Gas Leases in Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
