ISRO Aditya L1 Mission Live Updates: PSLV’s third stage separates from rocket

Last Updated on 02 September, 10.36 AM

Aditya L1 Mission by ISRO: India is getting ready to send a special mission to study the Sun. This mission is called Aditya L1. It’s the first time India is doing this kind of mission. The mission will help us learn more about the Sun and how it affects our world.

Aditya L1 is India’s initial solar journey to explore the Sun. It is like a space telescope and will circle around a special spot in space called L1, which is between the Sun and the Earth. This spot is around 1.5 million kilometers (about 930,000 miles) away from our planet, right in line with the Sun.

The Aditya L1 journey is set to start on September 2, 2023. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is responsible for this mission. They will use a strong rocket named PSLV-XL to carry the observatory into space. This special telescope will carry seven tools to study the Sun’s outer layers, like its corona and chromosphere.

ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission Update: Following the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the launch of its latest mission, Aditya-L1, dedicated to the study of the Sun. The mission’s scheduled liftoff is set for September 2nd at 11:50 am from the Sriharikota spaceport. Over the course of five years, Aditya-L1 will journey a distance of 1.5 million kilometers to closely examine Earth’s nearest star.

The spacecraft designated for this mission, which represents India’s first-ever space-based observatory focused on the Sun, will be propelled into space by the PSLV-C57 rocket. This mission represents a collaborative effort between ISRO and various esteemed institutions in the field of space research.

ISRO has highlighted that there exist five Lagrangian points between the Sun and Earth, with L1 being particularly advantageous due to its Halo orbit. This positioning allows for continuous observation of the Sun without any interference from eclipses, providing a unique opportunity to monitor solar activities without interruption.

ISRO emphasized the significance of studying the Sun, which is not only the nearest star but also allows for more detailed examination compared to distant stars within the Milky Way and other galaxies. The Sun exhibits numerous eruptive phenomena and emits vast amounts of energy within the solar system. Understanding these solar activities is vital because they can potentially impact the near-earth space environment, affecting spacecraft and communication systems. Therefore, early warnings of such events are crucial for implementing necessary preventive measures.

For this mission, ISRO’s scientists have opted for the ‘XL’ variant of the polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV), a more potent version that will carry the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, along with seven specialized payloads. Similar PSLV-XL variants were successfully employed in previous missions, including Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) in 2013.

Out of the seven payloads on board, four are designed to directly observe the Sun, while the remaining three will conduct in-situ studies of particles and fields at the L1 Lagrange point.

Initially, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft will be positioned in a low Earth orbit before its trajectory is altered to become more elliptical. Subsequently, the spacecraft will be directed toward the Lagrange point L1, utilizing its on-board propulsion systems for the journey.

The Aditya L1 Mission Goals:

1. Figure out how the Sun’s corona gets so hot.
2. Study the way the Sun’s outer layers move and behave.
3. Understand how powerful events like solar flares begin.
4. Learn about the particles from the Sun that travel through space.
5. Investigate the Sun’s influence on the near-UV sunlight.

The Aditya L1 mission aims to provide helpful information about the Sun and its effects on the space around Earth. Scientists want to understand the Sun better and its role in creating space weather.

Key Details About Aditya L1 Mission:

• Spacecraft: The Aditya L1 spacecraft is a 1,500-kilogram (3,300-pound) spacecraft that is about 2 meters (6.6 feet) long and 1 meter (3.3 feet) in diameter. It is equipped with seven scientific payloads.
• Orbit: The Aditya L1 spacecraft will be placed in a halo orbit around the L1 point of the Sun-Earth system. This orbit is about 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) from Earth.
• Payloads: The Aditya L1 spacecraft carries seven scientific payloads to study the Sun’s atmosphere. These payloads are:
  • Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): This payload will image the Sun’s corona in visible light.
  • Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS): This payload will study the Sun’s chromosphere and corona in extreme ultraviolet light.
  • Solar Wind Composition Spectrometer (SWCS): This payload will measure the composition of the solar wind.
  • In-situ Solar Wind Plasma Analyser (ISWPA): This payload will measure the properties of the solar wind plasma in the vicinity of the spacecraft.
  • Solar X-ray Monitor (SXR): This payload will measure the Sun’s X-ray emission.
  • Magnetometer (MAG): This payload will measure the magnetic field of the Sun and the solar wind.
  • Charged Particle Detector (CPD): This payload will measure the charged particle environment around the spacecraft.
• Launch: The Aditya L1 mission is scheduled to be launched on September 2, 2023, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using a PSLV-XL launch vehicle.
• Mission duration: The Aditya L1 mission is expected to last for five years.

The Aditya L1 journey is a big step for India’s space program. It’s their first time focusing on studying the Sun from space. This mission will provide a lot of new knowledge about the Sun and how it affects our space environment.

Aditya L1 Mission Launch Date and Time

The Aditya L1 mission is scheduled to be launched on September 2, 2023, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using a PSLV-XL launch vehicle. The launch will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India.

Aditya-L1 Mission Live Updates: The first Indian space telescope, Aditya-L1, which is designed to study the Sun ☀️, will be launched on September 2, 2023, from 🕛 11:50 AM IST at Sriharikota.

• People are welcome to come and watch the launch from the Launch View Gallery at Sriharikota.
• To attend, you need to register here
• The starting date for registration will be announced on the same website.

Aditya L1 Mission Budget

The Aditya L1 mission has an allocated cost of ₹378.53 crore (about US$50 million) excluding launch costs. The launch costs are expected to be around ₹100 crore (about US$13 million).

The mission’s budget has been increased from the original estimate of ₹250 crore (about US$33 million) due to the inclusion of additional scientific payloads and the use of a more powerful launch vehicle.

Aditya L1 Mission for What

The Aditya L1 mission is a space-based mission of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to study the Sun. It is scheduled to be launched on September 2, 2023, and will be placed in a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, L1, of the Sun-Earth system. This point is located about 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) from Earth on the Sun-Earth line.

The Aditya L1 mission will carry seven scientific payloads to study the Sun’s atmosphere, including the chromosphere and corona. The mission’s primary objectives are to:

• Understand the physics of the solar corona and its heating mechanism.
• Study the dynamics of the solar atmosphere, including the chromosphere and corona.
• Investigate the initiation of solar eruptive events, such as coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and solar flares.
• Understand the propagation of solar energetic particles in the interplanetary medium.
• Study the origin and monitoring of near-UV solar radiation.

The Aditya L1 mission is expected to provide valuable insights into the Sun’s atmosphere and its impact on Earth’s space environment. The data collected by the mission will help scientists to better understand the Sun and its role in space weather.

Also Read: India’s Upcoming Aditya L-1 Mission | After Mission Chandrayaan-3 India To Launch Aditya L-1

Here are some of the specific scientific questions that the Aditya L1 mission is expected to answer:

• What is the mechanism that heats the solar corona to millions of degrees?
• How do solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) start?
• What is the composition of the solar wind?
• How do solar energetic particles (SEPs) propagate in the interplanetary medium?
• How does the Sun affect Earth’s space environment?

Aditya-L1 Manufacturers

The main manufacturers of the Aditya L1 spacecraft are:

• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bangalore is developing the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload.
• The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune is developing the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrometer (EIS) payload.
• The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad is developing the Solar Wind Composition Spectrometer (SWCS) payload.
• The Space Physics Laboratory (SPL) in Thiruvananthapuram is developing the Solar X-ray Monitor (SXR) payload.
• The U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bangalore is developing the In-situ Solar Wind Plasma Analyser (ISWPA) payload, the Magnetometer (MAG) payload, and the Charged Particle Detector (CPD) payload.

The Aditya L1 mission is also using components and subsystems from other Indian industries, such as the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, which is providing the spacecraft’s propulsion system.

Aditya L1 Full Form

Aditya L1 stands for Aditya Lagrange Point 1. Aditya is the Sanskrit name for the Sun, and L1 is the first Lagrange point of the Sun-Earth system. The Lagrange points are points in space where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth balance each other out. The L1 point is located about 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) from Earth on the Sun-Earth line.

Also Read: India’s Upcoming Aditya L-1 Mission | After Mission Chandrayaan-3 India To Launch Aditya L-1

Live Blog

The Aditya L1 mission marks ISRO’s inaugural endeavor to explore the Sun from space.

12:08 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Watch the moment of launch:

In this post on the platform X, formerly Twitter, you can watch the PSLV rocket launching the Aditya L1 mission. 

12:01 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Third stage separated:

The third stage of the PSLV rocket successfully separated from the rocket. It is now in the PS4 coasting phase. 

11:59 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Vehicle performance normal:

Mission control announced that vehicle performance was normal as it was at an altitude of 185 kilometres above Earth’s surface. 

11:55 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Third stage initiated:

The second stage of the PSLV rocket has separated and the third stage has begun performing. It is working as intended, according to mission control. 

11:53 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Second stage initiated:

The first stage has separated from the rocket and the second stage has initiated. The second stage of the PSLV rocket is performing normally. 

11:52 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – First stage performs well:

The first stage of the PSLV rocket for the mission is performing normally, according to mission control. 

11:50 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Aditya L1 launches:

The Aditya L1 mission launched on the PSLV rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.

11:49 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Weather conditions ideal for Aditya L1 launch:

The weather in Sriharikota today is dry and hot, and the sky is clear, providing ideal conditions for launch, according to the Meteorological department at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. 

11:45 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Five minutes to launch:

India’s first space-based solar observation mission, Aditya L1, is set to launch. External power supplies to the launch vehicle have been withdrawn and the automated launch sequence will launch PSLV in five minutes. 

11:38 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Mission director authorises launch:

The mission director has authorised the mission for launch as all systems are working as intended and conditions are favourable for launch. The automatic launch sequence has begun. 

11:37 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Aditya L1 mission will embark on its journey:

Aditya L1 mission will embark on its journey. The PSLV rocket is set to launch the Aditya L1 spacecraft into a unique and elongated orbit around Earth. After reaching this initial orbit, the spacecraft will utilize its Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) to execute a series of maneuvers, gradually moving it farther from Earth’s surface.

Following these maneuvers, the spacecraft will chart a course that leads it beyond Earth’s gravitational influence. Its final destination will be a halo orbit positioned around the first Lagrange point (L1). This marks a crucial phase in the Aditya L1 mission’s mission, as it will enable the spacecraft to carry out its scientific objectives.

11:30 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Why reaching the first Lagrange point will be tricky for Aditya L1:

we delve into the challenges facing the Aditya L1 mission as it embarks on its journey towards the first Lagrange point. This mission marks ISRO’s inaugural venture to a Lagrange point, and the chosen destination, L1, presents formidable hurdles in the realm of space exploration.

To successfully reach and remain at L1, the spacecraft must execute a series of intricate and precise maneuvers. To ensure this, ISRO has developed sophisticated “orbit determination” software. This software serves as a vital tool, providing operators with real-time information about the spacecraft’s exact location and orbit. The margin for error in these operations is exceptionally narrow, and even the slightest miscalculation or misstep could imperil the entire mission.

Recognizing the critical importance of this endeavor, ISRO collaborated closely with the European Space Agency to refine the software and its underlying algorithms. This collaborative effort has been instrumental in enhancing the mission’s chances of success.

11:28 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Highlights from today’s launchpad activity:

This update on X, previously known as Twitter, shares images and videos captured at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

11:20 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Science Tools Aboard Aditya L1 Mission:

These are the crucial scientific instruments carried on board ISRO’s Aditya L1 mission.

10:56 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Aditya L1 and the Importance of Studying the Sun:

Our Sun is situated a vast distance away from our planet, roughly about 150 million kilometers. Yet, the Sun’s activities have a significant impact on space weather, which can potentially wreak havoc on Earth. These geomagnetic storms, caused by our star, can lead to power outages and even harm the satellites in Earth’s orbit.

But how does this happen? The Sun’s incredibly hot outer atmosphere continuously releases streams of particles into space, known as solar wind. These charged particles can travel towards Earth at incredible speeds, reaching up to 1.6 million kilometers per hour. While one pleasant consequence of these solar winds on Earth is the mesmerizing auroras, they can also disrupt and damage electronic systems, posing a threat to both our technological infrastructure and astronauts in space.

10:49 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Aditya’s Journey to L1:

The Aditya L1 spacecraft will begin its mission aboard the PSLV rocket, which will launch it into an orbit around Earth with a unique shape. After that, it will utilize its Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) to execute a series of precise maneuvers that gradually move it farther from Earth’s surface. Following these steps, it will chart a course leading it out of Earth’s gravitational pull, ultimately reaching a special orbit known as a halo orbit around the primary Lagrange point, L1.

10:30 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – What can we discover with Aditya L1?

Despite being the primary source of energy for our planet, there remain numerous mysteries surrounding the Sun. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to address these mysteries with India’s inaugural solar observatory in space, Aditya L1:

1. Investigate Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): These are substantial releases of magnetic fields and plasma from the Sun’s corona.
2. Analyze the Corona’s Magnetic Field: The corona’s magnetic field plays a pivotal role in shaping space weather.
3. Explore the Chromosphere and Corona: These are the upper layers of the Sun’s atmosphere, and studying them can provide valuable insights.
4. Understand Solar Particle Acceleration: Aditya L1 will help scientists comprehend the processes that lead to the acceleration of particles from the Sun, which subsequently contribute to solar wind.
5. Unravel the Solar Temperature Enigma: One of the Sun’s intriguing mysteries is why its atmosphere is hotter than its surface. Aditya L1 will aid in shedding light on this phenomenon.

In summary, Aditya L1 is poised to unlock the secrets of our closest star, the Sun, and provide valuable knowledge about its various phenomena.

10:10 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – 59th mission for ISRO’s reliable workhorse

Aditya L1 mission marks a significant milestone as the 59th mission for ISRO’s reliable workhorse, the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). This launch also represents the 25th time that ISRO has employed the PSLV-XL configuration.

The PSLV has earned its reputation as ISRO’s trusted launch vehicle, having been utilized for the majority of the space agency’s missions. Notably, the PSLV-XL configuration was initially introduced during the Chandrayaan-1 mission and has since been deployed for other prominent missions such as Mangalyaan.

One unique feature of the PSLV-XL is its six strap-on motors, which significantly boost the thrust generated by the first stage. This configuration stands as the most powerful version of the PSLV, enabling it to handle a wide range of mission requirements.

09:50 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Aditya L1, India’s solar probe:

We find ourselves talking about Aditya L1, India’s solar probe. Aditya’s mission involves a unique choice of orbit – a halo orbit around the first Lagrange point, often referred to as L1. This orbit provides an uninterrupted view of the Sun, which is crucial for Aditya’s scientific objectives. However, Aditya L1 is not alone in its journey around this point in space. Another solar probe, known as the Solar & Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), has been orbiting L1 since way back in 1996.

Originally, SOHO was planned for a two-year mission, but it has exceeded expectations and continues to operate until 2025. Over the course of its mission, this space observatory, which is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), has been equipped with 12 instruments. These instruments have tirelessly collected and transmitted valuable scientific data for almost three decades.

09:30 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Aditya-L1 mission and its objectives:

India is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission known as Aditya-L1. This mission will place India among the select group of nations that have sent spacecraft to closely study the Sun. While India has previously conducted experiments to observe the Sun using satellites, Aditya-L1 represents the country’s first dedicated mission solely focused on solar research.

The question arises: Why is it crucial to study the Sun? The answer lies in the potential disturbances it can cause in space, including solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections, and solar winds directed towards Earth. These disturbances can have adverse effects on space weather, making the study of the Sun of utmost importance.

The objectives of the Aditya-L1 mission are as follows:

1. Advanced Solar Source Study: The mission is equipped with four remote sensing instruments that will delve deeper into the solar sources. These instruments aim to pinpoint the specific regions of solar activity with a higher level of precision than previous solar missions. This increased accuracy can provide valuable insights into the origins of solar eruptions and flares.
2. Enhancing Space Weather Predictions: Aditya-L1 endeavors to generate user-friendly information that can serve as a safeguard for various satellite-dependent operations. This includes telecommunications, mobile-based Internet services, navigation systems, power grids, and more. By utilizing data obtained from the mission, tailored information can be developed to issue timely space weather alerts. This proactive approach can help mitigate potential disruptions caused by solar activity, ultimately benefiting a wide range of vital services and technologies.

In summary, the Aditya-L1 mission represents a significant milestone for India in the realm of solar research. Its objectives extend beyond scientific curiosity to practical applications that can protect and enhance our reliance on satellite-dependent services, making it a mission of great importance and promise.

09:00 (IST) 02 SEP 2023 – Solar activity is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming years:

It has been reported that solar activity is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. A group of international experts collaborating with NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) made an announcement in 2020, indicating that the solar minimum occurred in December 2019, signaling the commencement of Solar Cycle 25.

The period of solar minimum is now in the past, and scientists anticipate that the Sun’s activity will intensify leading up to the next predicted peak around July 2025. This upcoming solar cycle is projected to be comparable in strength to the previous one, which was considered below-average. However, it’s important to note that even in such cycles, there remain potential risks. Here on Earth, solar storms and heightened solar activity have the potential to impact power systems, radio communication networks, and technologies that rely on satellite communication, among other critical infrastructure.

For organizations like ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), which have ambitious plans for crewed space missions, there is an additional concern regarding the potential risks posed by solar activity to astronauts in space. Missions like Aditya L1 play a crucial role in enabling scientists to study the Sun in greater detail, providing valuable insights to better prepare for space weather-related risks.

Conclusion:

In the realm of space exploration, the Aditya L1 mission stands as a testament to human curiosity and innovation. As the first Indian mission dedicated to studying the Sun, it is poised to transform our understanding of the solar universe. With its launch just around the corner, the journey to uncovering the Sun’s mysteries is about to commence.

The insights gathered by Aditya L1 will not only deepen our understanding of the Sun but also illuminate its profound impact on Earth’s space environment.

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