On September 2, 2023, India launched its first space-based solar observatory, Aditya-L1, marking a major milestone in space research and heliophysics. Developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the mission aims to study the Sun, particularly its outer atmosphere or corona, from the unique vantage point of the Lagrangian Point 1 (L1) — about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.
This is ISRO’s first solar mission and is considered a counterpart to its planetary missions like Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter. Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven payloads to observe various layers of the Sun and to study solar radiation, solar wind, and space weather phenomena, which can impact Earth’s climate and satellite communications.
The mission's core scientific objective is to study the coronal heating phenomenon, the reason why the Sun’s outer atmosphere is significantly hotter than its surface — a longstanding mystery in astrophysics. It also aims to understand how solar flares and coronal mass ejections affect satellite operations, GPS, and power grids on Earth.
What sets Aditya-L1 apart is its placement in a halo orbit around L1, allowing continuous, uninterrupted observation of the Sun without the obstruction of Earth’s shadow. This position enables the satellite to monitor solar activity in real time, which is crucial for early warning of solar storms and geomagnetic disruptions.
The launch was conducted using the PSLV-XL rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and was hailed globally as a cost-effective yet highly advanced scientific venture. India now joins an elite group of countries with solar observatories, such as the U.S. (NASA’s Parker Solar Probe) and the European Space Agency (Solar Orbiter).
ISRO's collaboration with Indian academic institutions, including the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, showcases how the mission is also an investment in national scientific infrastructure and talent development.
The Aditya-L1 mission is not only a scientific endeavor but also a symbol of India's expanding capabilities in space research. It underscores India’s commitment to space science, climate research, and global contributions to understanding our solar system.