India Set to Launch First Observation Mission to the Sun
India is set to embark on its first-ever observation mission to the Sun, following its recent historic achievement of being the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole. The mission, named Aditya-L1, is scheduled to launch from Sriharikota on Saturday at 11:50 India time (06:20 GMT).
Aditya-L1 will be positioned at a distance of 1.5 million km (93 million miles) from Earth, which is 1% of the Earth-Sun distance. According to the Indian Space Research Agency (Isro), it will take approximately four months for the spacecraft to travel this distance. The mission, named after Surya, the Hindu god of the Sun, will be placed at Lagrange point 1 (L1), whereby the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth are canceled, allowing the spacecraft to “hover”.
Once Aditya-L1 reaches its designated location, it will be able to constantly observe the Sun, even during eclipses, and conduct scientific studies. The mission is equipped with seven scientific instruments to observe and study various layers of the Sun, such as the solar corona, photosphere, and chromosphere. These studies aim to enhance our understanding of solar activity, including solar wind and solar flares, and their impact on Earth and near-space weather in real time.
While the Indian Space Research Agency has not disclosed the cost of the mission, reports suggest it is estimated at 3.78 billion rupees ($46 million; £36 million). The successful completion of this mission will not only add to India’s growing space capabilities but also enable better prediction and preparation for potential disruptions to satellite operations caused by solar activity. It will contribute to the longevity and effectiveness of India’s satellite systems, which are vital for crucial services such as communication links, weather data, and disaster management.
The mission will also contribute to global efforts in studying the Sun. Japan launched the first-ever mission to the Sun in 1981, focusing on solar flares, while the US space agency NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have been studying the Sun since the 1990s. In February 2020, NASA and ESA jointly launched the Solar Orbiter to gather data on the Sun and understand its dynamic behavior.
Former Isro scientist Mylswamy Annadurai highlighted the importance of studying the Sun, as it influences not only Earth’s weather but also space weather. Solar winds and storms can impact satellites and even disrupt power grids. The Aditya-L1 mission will provide valuable insights and early warnings, enabling satellites to be repositioned in advance to minimize potential damage.
With this groundbreaking mission, India aims to further expand its knowledge of the 4.5 billion-year-old star that holds our solar system together. If successful, India will join the select group of countries actively studying the Sun and gain valuable scientific understanding of this celestial body.
Read more India stories from the BBC.