इसरो का आदित्य-एल1 सौर मिशन एक महत्वपूर्ण फायरिंग युद्धाभ्यास के लिए तैयार।

As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) approaches a pivotal juncture in its inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1, the success of the mission hangs in the balance, contingent upon a critical firing maneuver scheduled for January 6.

ISRO Chairman S Somanath underscores the significance of this final burn, slated to align the spacecraft with the L1 point around 4 pm on Saturday. Launched on September 2, 2023, the Aditya-L1 mission has been marked by precision and technological prowess, involving various earth-bound maneuvers and a Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I) maneuver.

Yet, all these carefully orchestrated steps culminate in the decisive event determining the spacecraft's fate—the final firing. Chairman Somanath elaborates on the crucial nature of the impending maneuver during a press conference following the successful launch of PSLV-C58 carrying XPoSat.

He explains, "If we do not execute the final burn, the spacecraft will deviate and move farther towards the Sun due to its larger body." This emphasizes the delicate balance required for achieving a stable orbit around the L1 point, a gravitational equilibrium located 1.5 million kilometers from Earth in the direction of the Sun.

The L1 point offers a unique vantage point for uninterrupted sun observation, free from eclipse disruptions. Aditya-L1's mission objectives include studying solar phenomena such as coronal mass ejections and solar flares, which hold significant implications for our understanding of space weather and its impact on satellite communications and Earth's power networks.

Beyond reaching the goal, the last maneuver is critical for ensuring the spacecraft's longevity in orbit. Somanath adds, "Once it is completed, the spacecraft will be trapped in orbit, but it is not permanent. We still have to perform occasional firings to maintain its position."

This implies that the spacecraft will require frequent adjustments to sustain its location even after successfully entering the halo orbit around L1.

A misstep in the final maneuver could lead Aditya-L1 astray, jeopardizing years of effort and investment. ISRO aims to execute the last move flawlessly to safeguard the mission's success.

ISRO's Aditya-L1 solar mission readies for a pivotal firing maneuver.