Introduction:
The Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1) is a crucial location in space where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth balance each other. This allows a spacecraft positioned at L1 to remain relatively stable without being pulled toward either body. India’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft, designed as a solar observatory, has successfully completed its first halo orbit around this point, as announced by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Mission Overview:
Launch Date and Vehicle:
The Aditya-L1 spacecraft was launched into low Earth orbit (LEO) on September 2, 2023, using the Indian rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle – XL (PSLV-XL) variant.
Insertion into Halo Orbit:
The spacecraft was inserted into its targeted halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point on January 6, 2024.
Halo Orbit Dynamics:
The Sun-Earth L1 point is where the gravitational pull of the Sun and Earth is equal, allowing the spacecraft to remain in a stable position.
Aditya-L1 took 178 days to complete its first revolution around the L1 point.
Orbital Maintenance and Maneuvers:
The spacecraft experienced various perturbing forces during its travel in the halo orbit, necessitating station-keeping maneuvers to maintain its trajectory.
Two station-keeping maneuvers were performed on February 22 and June 7, 2024.
A third station-keeping maneuver was conducted recently, allowing the spacecraft to continue into its second halo orbit path around L1.
Technological Achievements:
The successful maneuvers validate the state-of-the-art flight dynamics software developed in-house at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC-ISRO) for the Aditya-L1 mission.
ISRO’s understanding of the complex dynamics and perturbing forces acting on the spacecraft was critical in determining the accurate trajectory and planning precise orbit maneuvers.
Scientific Goals:
Aditya-L1 is dedicated to studying the Sun and carries seven payloads.
The spacecraft will observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the Sun’s outermost layers (the corona) using electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors.
Conclusion: The Aditya-L1 mission represents a significant milestone for India’s space exploration, with its successful positioning and maintenance in the halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. The mission’s advanced technological and scientific objectives aim to enhance our understanding of the Sun and its various phenomena.
1. What is the purpose of the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1)?
A) To provide a stable position for spacecraft without being pulled toward either the Sun or Earth
B) To observe the Moon
C) To monitor Earth’s weather
D) To communicate with deep space probes
Answer: A) To provide a stable position for spacecraft without being pulled toward either the Sun or Earth
2.When was the Aditya-L1 spacecraft launched?
A) January 6, 2024
B) September 2, 2023
C) June 7, 2024
D) February 22, 2024
Answer: B) September 2, 2023
3.Which launch vehicle was used to launch the Aditya-L1 spacecraft?
A) GSLV Mk III
B) PSLV-XL
C) Ariane 5
D) Falcon 9
Answer: B) PSLV-XL
4.When was the Aditya-L1 spacecraft inserted into its halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point?
A) January 6, 2024
B) September 2, 2023
C) February 22, 2024
D) June 7, 2024
Answer: A) January 6, 2024
5.How long did Aditya-L1 take to complete its first revolution around the L1 point?
A) 365 days
B) 90 days
C) 178 days
D) 240 days
Answer: C) 178 days
6.How many station-keeping maneuvers were performed during the first halo orbit?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four
Answer: C) Three
7.When was the second station-keeping maneuver performed?
A) January 6, 2024
B) September 2, 2023
C) February 22, 2024
D) June 7, 2024
Answer: D) June 7, 2024
8.What was validated by the successful maneuvers of Aditya-L1?
A) The capability of GSLV Mk III
B) The state-of-the-art flight dynamics software developed by URSC-ISRO
C) The communication system of Aditya-L1
D) The weather monitoring capabilities of Aditya-L1
Answer: B) The state-of-the-art flight dynamics software developed by URSC-ISRO
9.How many payloads does Aditya-L1 carry for studying the Sun?
A) Five
B) Six
C) Seven
D) Eight
Answer: C) Seven
10.Which layers of the Sun will Aditya-L1 observe?
A) Photosphere, chromosphere, and corona
B) Core, radiative zone, and convective zone
C) Sunspots and solar flares
D) Solar winds and solar storms
Answer: A) Photosphere, chromosphere, and corona
11.What types of detectors are used by Aditya-L1 to study the Sun?
A) Optical, infrared, and ultraviolet detectors
B) Electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors
C) Gamma-ray, X-ray, and microwave detectors
D) Acoustic, seismic, and tidal detectors
Answer: B) Electromagnetic, particle, and magnetic field detectors
12.What is the main scientific goal of Aditya-L1?
A) To study the Moon
B) To observe the Earth’s atmosphere
C) To enhance our understanding of the Sun and its phenomena
D) To communicate with other spacecraft
Answer: C) To enhance our understanding of the Sun and its phenomena
13.Which organization announced the successful completion of Aditya-L1’s first halo orbit?
A) NASA
B) ESA
C) JAXA
D) ISRO
Answer: D) ISRO
14.How does the L1 point benefit the Aditya-L1 spacecraft?
A) It provides a gravitational boost to reach other planets
B) It allows the spacecraft to remain relatively stable without being pulled toward the Sun or Earth
C) It helps in faster data transmission to Earth
D) It enables better observation of the outer planets
Answer: B) It allows the spacecraft to remain relatively stable without being pulled toward the Sun or Earth
15.Which center developed the flight dynamics software for the Aditya-L1 mission?
A) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
B) U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC-ISRO)
C) Indian Deep Space Network
D) Space Applications Centre
Answer: B) U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC-ISRO)
16.What is the significance of the halo orbit for Aditya-L1?
A) It allows the spacecraft to travel to other planets
B) It helps maintain a stable position for continuous solar observation
C) It reduces the need for communication with Earth
D) It increases the spacecraft’s speed
Answer: B) It helps maintain a stable position for continuous solar observation
17.What was the recent maneuver conducted by Aditya-L1?
A) Insertion into low Earth orbit
B) Launch from the Earth’s surface
C) Third station-keeping maneuver
D) Return to Earth
Answer: C) Third station-keeping maneuver
18.What is the main technological achievement of the Aditya-L1 mission?
A) Landing on the Moon
B) Successful maneuvers and station-keeping in the halo orbit around L1
C) Establishing communication with other planets
D) Launching multiple satellites simultaneously
Answer: B) Successful maneuvers and station-keeping in the halo orbit around L1
19.What makes the Sun-Earth L1 point unique for space missions like Aditya-L1?
A) It is closer to the Earth
B) It provides a unique vantage point for continuous solar observation
C) It has a higher gravitational force
D) It is the only point where spacecraft can remain stationary
Answer: B) It provides a unique vantage point for continuous solar observation
20.How did ISRO determine the accurate trajectory and plan precise orbit maneuvers for Aditya-L1?
A) By using advanced communication systems
B) By understanding the complex dynamics and perturbing forces acting on the spacecraft
C) By relying on international space agencies
D) By launching multiple test missions
Answer: B) By understanding the complex dynamics and perturbing forces acting on the spacecraft
