Aditya-L1 mission: Big ISRO triumph as magnetometer boom deploys successfully

ISRO announced a significant milestone on Thursday, confirming the successful deployment of the 6-meter long magnetometer boom on the Aditya-L1 mission’s satellite.

The magnetometer boom had been in stowed condition for 132 days since the launch of the Aditya-L1 mission. During this period, it was securely held in place by two hold-downs, transferring launch loads to the spacecraft body.

Deployment Process: A thermal cutter-brd release system was employed to execute the deployment on command. Telemetry switches confirmed the hold-down release, first motion, and locking of all hinges.

Deployment Time: The observed in-orbit deployment time was approximately nine seconds, well within the predicted range of eight to 12 seconds, ensuring a smooth and controlled deployment process.

Magnetometer Sensors: The boom carries two state-of-the-art, high-accuracy fluxgate magnetometer sensors that measure the low intensity interplanetary magnetic field in space.

The sensors are strategically deployed at distances of three and six meters from the spacecraft body to minimize the impact of the spacecraft-generated magnetic field on measurements.

The dual sensor system facilitates canceling out the spacecraft’s magnetic influence, enhancing the precision of magnetic field measurements in space.

The boom segments, constructed from carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, serve as interfaces for sensor mounting and mechanism elements, ensuring structural integrity and reliability.

The articulated boom mechanism comprises five segments interconnected through spring-driven hinge mechanisms, allowing for folding and deploying actions in an accordion fashion.

"The successful deployment of the Aditya-L1 magnetometer boom is a testament to Isro's commitment to advancing space exploration. This achievement enhances our capability to conduct precise measurements of the interplanetary magnetic field," said ISRO.