Noos News•
India’s first sun-observing spacecraft, Aditya-L1, has reached its destination after 126 days.
The spacecraft carries seven scientific instruments to study the outer layer of the Sun and the thin layer of plasma beneath it.
The Aditya-L1 has covered nearly 1.5 million kilometers in just over four months. The vehicle orbited Earth four times before finally landing in the right place where it could stay relatively easily without using much fuel.
Watch live
The mission should ensure that scientists can view directly and see the Sun’s effect on Earth more quickly and monitor space weather better. Space weather means that the sun emits a stream of charged particles that, in some cases, disrupts electrical grids on Earth.
Indian space agency ISRO reported that some of the instruments on board the spacecraft have already begun taking images and collecting data. In December, ISRO had already shown images captured by Aditya-L1. According to the organization, these could already provide “insight into the complex details of the Sun’s photosphere and chromosphere.”
Check out some images taken by Aditya-L1 of the Sun:
Indian Prime Minister Modi described this step as a new milestone. “It is a testament to the continued dedication of our scientists to accomplish one of the most sophisticated and complex missions in space,” he said. The country wants to make an increasing impact in space travel and is very active in space. Last year, India became the fourth country in the world to land on the moon.
“Professional web ninja. Certified gamer. Avid zombie geek. Hipster-friendly baconaholic.”