On January 11, 2024, Aditya L1 was placed in a halo-shaped orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1. The point is around 1.5 million km from the Earth, in the direction of the Sun. Now, the successful Deployment of Magnetometer Boom on Aditya-L1 in Halo orbit has given complete assurance that this mission will bring numerous benefits in the field of science and technology. The boom had been in stowed condition for 132 days since the Aditya-L1 launch.
According to ISRO, the boom carries two state-of-the-art, high-accuracy fluxgate magnetometer sensors that measure the low-intensity interplanetary magnetic field in space. The sensors are deployed at distances of 3 and 6 meters from the spacecraft body. Mounting them at these distances minimizes the spacecraft-generated magnetic field’s impact on measurements. and using two of them assists in the precise estimation of this influence. The dual-sensor system facilitates canceling out the spacecraft’s magnetic influence.
The boom segments are constructed from carbon fiber reinforced polymer and serve as interfaces for the sensor mounting and mechanism elements, ISRO said.
The articulated boom mechanism comprises five segments interconnected through spring-driven hinge mechanisms, allowing for folding and deploying actions, it was noted.
India’s maiden solar mission Aditya-L1 reached the L1 point, located roughly 1.5 million km from earth enabling the spacecraft to view the sun continuously, on January 6, 127 days after it was launched on September 2, 2023.
Long Journey of Magnetometer Boom on Aditya-L1 in Halo orbit
ISRO has done many wonders in previous years which includes Chandrayaan 3’s successful landing on moon and a new milestone is achieved in the beginning of the year with the insertion of Aditya L1 in the orbit of the sun.
Aditya-L1 refers to a solar observation mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Aditya-L1 mission is designed to study the Sun and its outermost layer, the solar corona. The primary objective is to enhance our understanding of the Sun’s behaviour and its impact on space weather.
The satellite is equipped with various scientific instruments, including a Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) to study the solar corona. It aims to provide valuable data for improving our ability to predict and understand solar activities that can affect Earth’s space environment.
Aditya L1, which is India’s first space-based observatory to study the Sun, has been placed in a halo-shaped orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1. The point is around 1.5 million km from the Earth, in the direction of the Sun.
The solar observatory at L1 is aimed at “Observing and understanding the chromospheric and coronal dynamics of the Sun” in a continuous manner.
Aditya-L1 Mission:
The 6m magnetometer boom, previously stowed for 132 days, is now successfully deployed in the Halo orbit.The boom houses two fluxgate magnetometers that measure the interplanetary magnetic field in space.
Details: https://t.co/ZrSKAVu1z4 pic.twitter.com/Xq4LmwBhwE
— ISRO (@isro) January 25, 2024
As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed Aditya-L1 spacecraft into its destination orbit on January 11, the space agency’s chief S Somanath called it an “end of a long journey”, adding that it was an anxious moment, but they were sure it would be successful. The ISRO chief also said that the mission was “complex” and that they have overcome the complexity precisely.
Today on the occasion of Republic Day, this news was shared on twitter from the official account of ISRO that the successful Deployment of Magnetometer Boom on Aditya-L1 in Halo orbit has taken place as it was stowed for 132 days since its launch.
All about ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India. It is responsible for the country’s space program and activities related to space research and exploration. ISRO was founded in 1969 and has since played a crucial role in developing and deploying satellites, conducting space missions, and advancing space technology.
ISRO designs, develops, and launches satellites for various purposes, including communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research.
ISRO has conducted space exploration missions, such as the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions, aimed at studying the Moon and Mars, respectively.
ISRO designs and operates launch vehicles, such as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), to place satellites into orbit.
ISRO collaborates with various international space agencies and organizations, fostering partnerships and contributing to global space endeavors.
ISRO employs space technology for practical applications, including weather forecasting, disaster management, agriculture monitoring, and telecommunications.
ISRO has gained international recognition for its achievements, including becoming the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and consistently demonstrating cost-effective space missions. The organization continues to be a key player in the global space community.