India’s inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1, is scheduled to reach its destination, the Lagrangian point (L1), on January 6, according to a statement from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman, S Somanath. The mission, launched on September 2, is the first Indian space-based observatory designed to study the Sun from a halo orbit L1.
Upon reaching the L1 point, located 1.5 million km from Earth, Aditya-L1 will undergo a critical maneuver involving engine firing to ensure it remains within the designated orbit. Once stabilized at L1, the solar observatory is expected to capture data related to various solar events for the next five years.
Somanath highlighted the significance of Aditya-L1’s mission, emphasizing its contribution to understanding solar dynamics and its global relevance. The data collected by the observatory is anticipated to provide valuable insights into the Sun’s impact on life and the broader solar system.
The ISRO chairman also shared plans for India’s space exploration, revealing the intent to establish an Indian space station called ‘Bharatiya space station.’ This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, and Somanath emphasized the importance of India becoming a technologically advanced nation.
Somanath acknowledged the changing landscape of the space sector with the emergence of new actors and expressed ISRO’s commitment to support, encourage, and build the economy around the new generation. He emphasized the strategic focus on sectors where India can excel rather than attempting to lead in every aspect.
