Aditya-L1, India's avant-garde solar observatory, has started traveling to Lagrange Point 1 (L1), which is situated along the Sun-Earth line. Trans-Lagrangian 1 insertion (TL1I) maneuver was successfully carried out by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), starting Aditya-L1's 110-day journey to L1, which is located roughly 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. Understanding the origin, acceleration, and anisotropy of solar wind and space weather phenomena will be possible thanks to the probe. Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload's Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument has begun gathering data for scientific purposes.

Intention and Location

The goal of the Aditya-L1 mission is to study the Sun from a solar observatory in orbit. It is moving in the direction of Lagrange Point 1 (L1), which is situated on the Sun-Earth axis.

Trans-Lagrangian 1 insertion (TL1I) maneuver importance

The TL1I maneuver is essential for lining up Aditya-L1's trajectory with the distinctive Lagrange Point 1 (L1) in space and initiating its journey there.

Location and L1's Importance

L1, which is only 1% of the distance between Earth and the Sun, is roughly 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. It is important for solar observations because it provides a prime viewing location along the Sun-Earth axis.

STEPS Instrument's Function

STEPS, which was created by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) with assistance from the Space Application Centre, detects ions and electrons in various directions and provides information on the behavior of particles in the Earth's magnetosphere. It is an essential part of the payload for the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX).

newest STEPS data

On September 10, 2023, STEPS started gathering data from a location more than 50,000 kilometers away from Earth. STEPS has already produced observations that show changes in the energetic particle environment inside the magnetosphere of the Earth.

The importance of STEPS

As Aditya-L1 moves closer to the Sun-Earth L1 point during the cruise phase of the mission, STEPS will continue to collect data. The spacecraft's measurements will continue once it is in its designated orbit.