After Moon landing, India launches sun probe mission

After Moon landing, India launches sun probe mission

ISRO, India’s space agency, is preparing for its upcoming significant spacemission, with plans to launch the Aditya-L1 probe for the study of theSun’s outer layers. This ambitious venture follows their recent successfulMoon landing.

Aditya-L1 is set to lift off at 11:50 am (0620 GMT) on September 2, 2023,embarking on a four-month journey. If all goes as planned, this missionwill mark a historic moment as it becomes the first instance of an Asiannation sending a probe into solar orbit, a remarkable feat in the realm ofspace exploration.

The primary objective of Aditya-L1 is to investigate coronal massejections, periodic occurrences where the Sun releases massive bursts ofplasma and magnetic energy. These potent emissions can potentially disruptsatellite operations on Earth. Aditya-L1 aims to predict these phenomenaand issue early warnings to safeguard satellites.

This spacecraft, named after the Hindu Sun deity Aditya, will traverse anextensive distance of 1.5 million kilometers (930,000 miles) to reach itsdestination. It will be launched into space using ISRO’s dependable PSLV XLrocket, a reliable vehicle that has supported prior missions to the Moonand Mars.

India’s space program is renowned for achieving remarkable milestones withcost-effective approaches. By adapting existing technology and leveraging ahighly skilled workforce, India has accomplished feats such as the recentlunar landing, which cost less than $75 million. This approach hasdemocratized space exploration for the nation.

India’s space journey is distinguished by noteworthy accomplishments,including becoming the first Asian nation to place a spacecraft into orbitaround Mars in 2014