The Aditya-L1 spacecraft has successfully performed its fourth Earth-bound maneuver in the early hours of Friday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has stated.
“Aditya-L1 Mission: The fourth Earth-bound maneuver (EBN#4) is performed successfully. ISRO’s ground stations at Mauritius, Bengaluru, SDSC-SHAR and Port Blair tracked the satellite during this operation, while a transportable terminal currently stationed in the Fiji Islands for Aditya-L1 will support post-burn operations. The new orbit attained is 256 km x 121973 km,” the ISRO posted on X (formerly Twitter).
During the mission, Aditya L1 will execute a sequence of five maneuvers. These maneuvers will provide the satellite with the precise velocity required to embark on its voyage towards Lagrange Point 1.
The launch of Aditya-L1, the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun, is scheduled for September 2
© Photo : ISRO/Twitter
The first, second and third maneuvers were held on September 3, 5 and 10.
Scheduled for 19 September 2023, the Trans-Lagrangean Point 1 Insertion (TL1I), the fifth and final maneuver, will serve as a send-off from Earth. This maneuver will mark the beginning of a thrilling journey lasting almost 110 days, leading to its ultimate destination in the vicinity of the L1 Lagrange point.
The maneuvers will help the spacecraft gain the necessary velocity for its further journey to L1.
This location will enable Aditya-L1 to continuously observe the sun without being hindered by eclipses or occultation, allowing scientists to study solar activities and their impact on space weather in real time.