The Indian probe launched in September Aditya-L1 is a shining example of how innovation and perseverance can lead to unprecedented breakthroughs. The mission budget? 48 million dollars, a small price for a gigantic leap in space science: for the next 5 years, this new “observatory” will be ready to reveal the mysteries of coronal mass ejections and other solar phenomena.
This event strengthens India's position in the field of space exploration, and opens new perspectives for understanding solar dynamics and their impact on Earth.
The journey to the Sun
Aditya-L1's journey was a four-month journey through space, during which the probe traveled 1,5 million kilometres, equal to just 1% of the distance between the Earth and the Sun. Despite its seemingly small distance in astronomical terms, this journey represents a huge step forward for Indian space research.
Reaching a point of gravitational equilibrium, where the attractive forces of the Sun and Earth cancel each other out, is a feat. It requires precision and technological expertise of the highest level, and only an extraordinary team (with an extraordinary guide) could achieve this result.
An achievement for India and the world
This achievement is not only a point of pride for India but also represents a significant contribution to the global scientific community. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated this event as another “historic milestone” of India's space mission.
It is a testament to the unyielding dedication of our scientists
Narendra Modi
The main focus of Aditya-L1 will be the study of coronal mass ejections, powerful phenomena that see the emission of plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun's atmosphere. These solar explosions have the ability to reach Earth, potentially affecting the functioning of satellites and other space devices. The Indian mission will explore the dynamics of other solar phenomena, such as imaging and measuring particles in the solar upper atmosphere, thus providing a more complete and detailed view of our star.
The global impact of the Indian mission
India's success in this sector is not isolated. After the first launch of a lunar probe in 2008 and reaching the lunar south pole in 2019, India continued to set records in the field of space exploration. You already know about the Chandrayaan 3 mission. Since reaching Mars in 2014 to the upcoming manned mission scheduled for this year, India is constantly pushing the boundaries of the possible.
With plans for a joint mission with Japan to the Moon by 2025 and an orbital mission to Venus, India is establishing itself as an emerging power in the global space community. Namaste!
