Daily Current Affairs : 7-September-2023
In the realm of space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) continues to make remarkable strides. One such milestone is the Aditya L-1 mission, which recently achieved a significant feat – the successful execution of its second earth-bound manoeuvre by the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru. This manoeuvre holds a crucial place in the mission’s overall trajectory, and in this essay, we will delve deeper into the Aditya L-1 mission, its objectives, and the importance of this manoeuvre.
The Purpose of the Manoeuvre
The recent manoeuvre carried out by ISTRAC served a critical purpose – it aimed to alter the Aditya-L1 spacecraft’s orbit. The spacecraft needed to be repositioned to prepare for a series of upcoming manoeuvres and ultimately set course for its final destination: the L1 Lagrange point.
A Series of Manoeuvres
The manoeuvre accomplished by ISTRAC is just one step in a carefully planned series of actions. Three more manoeuvres are on the mission’s schedule, each with its unique role in achieving the mission’s objectives.
- Trans-Lagrangian Insertion Maneuvre:
- Following the upcoming manoeuvres, Aditya-L1 is poised to undergo a trans-Lagrangian insertion manoeuvre. This marks the mission’s transition into a 110-day trajectory towards its ultimate destination – the L1 Lagrange point.
- Arrival at the L1 Point:
- Upon reaching the L1 point, another crucial manoeuvre awaits. This manoeuvre will secure Aditya-L1 in an orbit around L1, a distinctive gravitational location positioned perfectly between the Earth and the Sun.
Orbiting the L1 Lagrange Point
Aditya-L1’s mission is unique because of its long-term commitment to orbiting the L1 Lagrange point. Unlike many satellites that follow traditional circular orbits, Aditya-L1 will inhabit an irregularly shaped orbit. This orbit lies in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the line connecting the Earth and the Sun.
Significance of the L1 Lagrange Point
Understanding why Aditya-L1 is making its home at the L1 Lagrange point is crucial. This point offers a vantage point that allows the spacecraft to observe the Sun without interference from Earth’s atmosphere. This unobstructed view is pivotal for studying solar phenomena, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can have significant impacts on our planet.
Important Points:
- The Aditya L-1 mission recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful execution of its second earth-bound manoeuvre by ISTRAC in Bengaluru.
- The purpose of the manoeuvre was to change the spacecraft’s orbit to prepare for upcoming actions and set it on course for the L1 Lagrange point.
- The mission involves a series of manoeuvres:
- Three more manoeuvres are scheduled.
- After these, the spacecraft will undergo a trans-Lagrangian insertion manoeuvre, initiating its 110-day trajectory to the L1 Lagrange point.
- Upon reaching the L1 point, another manoeuvre will bind Aditya-L1 to an orbit around L1.
- Aditya-L1 will have an irregularly shaped orbit in a plane perpendicular to the line connecting the Earth and the Sun.
- The L1 Lagrange point offers an unobstructed view of the Sun, making it ideal for studying solar phenomena like solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
- The mission’s primary goal is to enhance our understanding of the Sun and its impact on Earth.
- Aditya L-1 is a testament to ISRO’s dedication to advancing space exploration and scientific knowledge.
Why In News
The ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC), based in Bengaluru, skillfully executed the second earth-bound maneuver of the Aditya L-1 mission, showcasing their remarkable expertise. This accomplishment brings us one step closer to unlocking the secrets of our sun and its impact on our planet.
MCQs about Aditya L-1 Mission
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What was the primary purpose of the second earth-bound manoeuvre performed by ISTRAC for the Aditya L-1 mission?
A. To initiate the mission’s 110-day trajectory to the L1 Lagrange point.
B. To observe solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
C. To change the spacecraft’s orbit for upcoming actions.
D. To secure Aditya-L1 in a circular orbit around the Earth.
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Where does Aditya-L1 spend its mission life in orbit?
A. In a circular orbit around the Earth.
B. In a geostationary orbit.
C. In an irregularly shaped orbit around the L1 Lagrange point.
D. In a polar orbit around the Sun.
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What is the significance of the L1 Lagrange point for the Aditya L-1 mission?
A. It offers a prime location for studying Earth’s climate.
B. It provides a vantage point for observing the Moon.
C. It allows for an unobstructed view of the Sun, essential for studying solar phenomena.
D. It enables communication with deep space probes.
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What is the ultimate goal of the Aditya L-1 mission?
A. To study lunar geology and composition.
B. To explore Mars and its moons.
C. To investigate the behavior of the Sun and its impact on Earth.
D. To search for extraterrestrial life on distant planets.
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