Aditya-L1 Mission Overview
Aditya-L1 Mission Monitors Coronal Mass Ejections: Aditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated solar mission, launched in 2023 by PSLV-C57. It is placed in a halo orbit around Lagrange Point 1 (L1), approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. The mission’s primary aim is to study Coronal Heating, Solar Wind Acceleration, solar flares, and near-Earth space weather phenomena. Static GK fact: Lagrange Points are positions where gravitational forces of two large bodies equal the centripetal force needed for a small object to move with them.
The mission carries seven payloads, divided into remote sensing and in-situ instruments. Key remote sensing instruments include VELC (Visible Emission Line Coronagraph) and SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope). In-situ payloads include ASPEX (Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment), which measures solar wind properties directly. Static GK Tip: Halo orbits at L1 help spacecraft maintain position with minimal fuel consumption.
First Visible-Light CME Observation
Using VELC, scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), in collaboration with NASA, conducted the first visible-light spectroscopic observation of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME). CMEs are massive expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona, capable of impacting space weather near Earth. The observation has allowed estimation of critical parameters such as plasma density, speed, and magnetic field orientation. Static GK fact: CMEs can cause geomagnetic storms affecting satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth.
Significance for Space Weather
Understanding CMEs is vital for predicting solar storms that can disrupt communication networks and satellite operations. Aditya-L1 provides continuous monitoring of the Sun, improving forecasting capabilities. The data also contributes to global studies on solar wind distribution, temperature anisotropy, and flare activity, essential for both scientific research and practical applications.
Comparison with Global Missions
India joins a select group of nations with dedicated solar observation missions. Hinotori (ASTRO-A) by Japan in the 1980s, Parker Solar Probe by the US in 2018, and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) by NASA-ESA have provided complementary solar data. Static GK fact: Parker Solar Probe is the first spacecraft to enter the Sun’s corona, providing in-situ measurements of solar plasma.
Aditya-L1 strengthens India’s position in space science and contributes to global collaborations in solar physics, particularly in understanding CMEs and their impacts on near-Earth space.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Aditya-L1 Mission Monitors Coronal Mass Ejections:
| Topic | Detail |
| Mission Name | Aditya-L1 |
| Launch Year | 2023 |
| Launch Vehicle | PSLV-C57 |
| Orbit | Halo orbit around Lagrange Point 1 (1.5 million km from Earth) |
| Mission Lifespan | 5 years |
| Key Payloads | VELC, SUIT, ASPEX (total 7) |
| First CME Observation | Visible-light spectroscopic detection using VELC |
| Collaboration | Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) & NASA |
| Objective | Study Coronal Heating, Solar Wind, Solar Flares, and Space Weather |
| Global Solar Missions | Hinotori (Japan), Parker Solar Probe (USA), SOHO (NASA-ESA) |
