Daily Current Affairs : 31-August-2023
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its Aditya-L1 mission, which aims to study the sun. A crucial component of this mission is the LAM engine, short for Liquid Apogee Motor. This small yet powerful engine will play a pivotal role in placing the Aditya spacecraft in a halo orbit at Lagrangian point L1. In this essay, we will delve into the significance of the LAM engine in ISRO’s space exploration endeavors.
Understanding LAM Engine
The LAM engine, an acronym for Liquid Apogee Motor, is a high-performance propulsion system developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), an integral part of ISRO situated in Thiruvananthapuram. This engine boasts remarkable capabilities, making it an indispensable asset for ISRO’s missions.
Versatility of LAM Engine
The LAM engine is not a newcomer to ISRO’s space missions. It has a rich history of being a key player in various crucial endeavors, including the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2014 and the more recent Chandrayaan-3 mission. Its versatility lies in its ability to facilitate orbital adjustment maneuvers for satellites and spacecraft already in orbit. These maneuvers are essential for achieving precise positions and orbits in space.
Crucial Role in Aditya-L1 Mission
In the context of the Aditya-L1 mission, the LAM engine’s role is even more critical. The mission’s primary objective is to study the sun, and to accomplish this, the Aditya spacecraft needs to be placed in a specific orbit around Lagrangian point L1, which is approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth. Achieving this orbit requires precision and control, and the LAM engine is designed to provide just that.
Shutting Down for the Journey
As the Aditya spacecraft departs from Earth’s sphere of influence and embarks on its four-month journey toward Lagrangian point L1, the LAM engine will temporarily shut down. This shutdown is a strategic move, allowing the spacecraft to coast through space efficiently, conserving fuel and other resources for the mission’s later stages.
Important Points:
- The LAM engine, or Liquid Apogee Motor, is a critical component of ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission, designed to study the sun.
- LAM engines are developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram.
- LAM engines are versatile and have been used in important missions such as the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and Chandrayaan-3.
- Their primary function is to facilitate orbital adjustment maneuvers for satellites and spacecraft in orbit.
- In the Aditya-L1 mission, the LAM engine will play a crucial role in placing the Aditya spacecraft precisely at Lagrangian point L1, located 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.
- The LAM engine will temporarily shut down during the spacecraft’s four-month journey to conserve fuel and resources.
- The LAM engine exemplifies ISRO’s commitment to innovation and excellence in space exploration.
Why In News
For the Aditya-L1 mission, ISRO will be utilizing a LAM identical to the one employed in the successful Mars and moon missions, showcasing the agency’s commitment to leveraging proven technology for cutting-edge space exploration. This decision underscores ISRO’s dedication to cost-effective and reliable space endeavors, further solidifying their reputation as pioneers in the field.
MCQs about Significance of the LAM Engine in ISRO’s Aditya-L1 Mission
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Where is the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) responsible for developing LAM engines located?
A. Bengaluru
B. Hyderabad
C. Thiruvananthapuram
D. Mumbai
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Which mission utilized the LAM engine for its success?
A. Chandrayaan-2
B. Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
C. Aditya-L1
D. Hubble Space Telescope
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Why does the LAM engine temporarily shut down during the Aditya-L1 mission?
A. To save money on fuel costs
B. To reduce the weight of the spacecraft
C. To prevent overheating
D. To conserve fuel and resources for the later stages of the mission
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