The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone by placing the Aditya-L1 spacecraft in a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point (L1), marking a major step in its mission to study the sun comprehensively. The satellite, equipped with seven payloads, is now focused on operationalizing scientific instruments and collecting vital data.

The payloads include the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS), Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX), Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA), and Advanced Tri-axial High-Resolution Digital Magnetometers.

Placed in a halo orbit around the L1 point, the Aditya-L1 satellite enjoys the advantage of continuous sun observation without any occultation or eclipses. This uninterrupted view provides real-time insights into solar activities and their impact on space weather.

Several payloads have already commenced operations and data collection. Notably, the Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer instrument (part of ASPEX) initiated scientific data collection in September 2023, and HEL1OS recorded the impulsive phase of solar flares. Other instruments, such as SUIT and VELC, have successfully captured the sun's images in various wavelength ranges.

The VELC payload, developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, is set to send continuous images of the sun's corona from the L1 point. The principal investigator of VELC expects image transmission to commence by the end of January.

ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission aims to enhance understanding of solar phenomena, contributing valuable data for space weather predictions and advancing solar science research.