Aditya-L1 mission update: Status to launch date, all you need to know about ISRO's solar odyssey

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Aditya-L1 mission status: The spacecraft is on track to reach its celestial destination, Lagrange Point 1 (L1), on January 6, 2024. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirms the spacecraft's anticipated arrival time at 4 PM.

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Aditya-L1 mission launch date: Aditya-L1 is a groundbreaking satellite dedicated to an in-depth examination of the Sun. Launched on September 2, 2023, on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C57) rocket, it is ISRO's first space-based observatory-class solar mission.

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Aditya-L1 mission parking spot: Positioned approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, Aditya-L1 mission will focus on the Sun, residing at around 1% of the Earth-Sun distance. The ISRO emphasises its dedication to a comprehensive study of the Sun.

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Upon reaching the L1 point, Aditya-L1 will perform a crucial manoeuvre to secure itself in a stable orbit. This orbit is a balanced gravitational region nestled between the Earth and the Sun.

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ISRO Chief S. Somanath elaborates on the mission, highlighting the need to re-fire the engine upon reaching L1 to prevent further displacement. The spacecraft is destined to be in a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point for the next five years.

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Aditya-L1 executed a "Trans-Lagrangian1 insertion manoeuvre" at the outset, initiating its 110-day trajectory to L1. Once successfully placed, it will remain in an irregularly shaped orbit for the entire mission duration.

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Somanath affirms that after successfully reaching L1, Aditya-L1 mission will diligently collect data for the next five years. This information is not only significant for India but holds global importance.

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Solar Proximity: ISRO clarifies that Aditya-L1 mission will not land on or approach the Sun any closer. Its mission is to explore the Sun's outer atmosphere, unravelling the secrets of the massive sphere of gas.

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Orbital Dynamics: The satellite will orbit L1 in a plane perpendicular to the line joining the Earth and the Sun. ISRO emphasises that this unique perspective will yield invaluable insights into the Sun's dynamics.

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The wealth of data gathered by the Aditya-L1 mission will be instrumental in understanding the intricacies of the Sun and its impact on our lives. The mission marks a significant leap in India's space exploration endeavours.