India’s maiden space-based solar probe, Aditya-L1, captured a selfie and images of Earth and the Moon while on its way to Lagrange Point 1 (L1). The images were taken the camera onboard Aditya-L1 on September 4, as confirmed the Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO).
The selfie captured the image of the probe’s largest payload, the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), and SUIT instruments. Additionally, the camera also captured images of Earth and its only natural satellite, the Moon, on the second day of its four-month journey to L1.
Aditya-L1, which was launched on September 2 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, has successfully performed its second Earth-bound maneuver and achieved an orbit of 282 km x 40,225 km. The next Earth-bound maneuver is scheduled for September 10.
The probe is equipped with seven different payloads, which will allow for a detailed study of the sun. Four of these payloads will observe the light from the sun, while the other three will measure in-situ parameters of the plasma and magnetic fields. The main objectives of India’s solar mission include studying the physics of solar corona, its heating mechanism, solar wind acceleration, and the dynamics of the solar atmosphere.
Aditya-L1 will be placed in a halo orbit around Lagrangian Point 1, which is located 1.5 million km away from Earth in the direction of the sun. This unique position will provide valuable insights into the sun and its effects on near-earth space weather.
With the successful capture of the selfie and images of Earth and the Moon, Aditya-L1 continues to make significant progress towards achieving its mission objectives. The data collected the probe will contribute to a better understanding of the sun and its impact on our planet.
Sources:
– India’s Aditya-L1 space probe took a selfie and images of Earth and the Moon while on its way to Lagrange Point 1
– Aditya-L1 captures Earth and Moon while on its way to Lagrange Point 1
