In a significant update, ISRO Chairman S Somanath has declared that the Aditya L1 spacecraft, India’s pioneering mission to explore the Sun, is entering its concluding phase. Anticipated to complete its maneuvers and reach the L1 point on January 7, 2024, this marks a historic milestone for India’s space exploration endeavors.
Speaking at an event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the First Sounding Rocket Launch at VSSC, Somanath shared insights into the progress of the Aditya L1 mission. The spacecraft, designed for in-depth study of the Sun, is progressing steadily toward its final stage, with preparations for entering the L1 point underway.
The ISRO chairman emphasized that the meticulous preparations for the spacecraft’s entry into the L1 point are advancing gradually. He mentioned that the final maneuvers for this crucial stage are expected to conclude by January 7th, ushering in a new era of solar exploration for India.
Launched successfully on September 2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the Aditya L1 has traveled approximately 1.5 million km from Earth over 125 days. The spacecraft is projected to position itself in a Halo orbit around the Lagrangian point L1, the closest point to the Sun. Its mission includes capturing and transmitting images of the Sun for scientific investigations alongside other crucial responsibilities.
As India stands on the brink of achieving a groundbreaking milestone in space exploration, the Aditya L1 mission represents the nation’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and contributing to our understanding of the solar system.
