India’s Solar Exploration Mission Achieves Milestone in Data Collection (Aditya-L1 Mission Update)
STEPS Instrument Measures Supra-Thermal Particles to Analyze Earth’s Surroundings
Chennai, 18 Sep (City Times): (Aditya-L1 Mission Update) – India’s groundbreaking solar exploration mission, Aditya-L1, designed to study the Sun, has achieved a significant milestone by initiating the collection of scientific data from distances exceeding 50,000 kilometers from Earth.
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) confirmed on Monday that the sensors of the Supra Thermal & Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument have commenced the measurement of supra-thermal and energetic ions and electrons at these extended distances. This data will enable scientists to gain valuable insights into the behavior of particles surrounding our planet.
In-Depth News Report:
India’s Aditya-L1 mission, aimed at unraveling the mysteries of our Sun, has taken a significant step forward by initiating the collection of scientific data from regions beyond 50,000 kilometers above Earth’s surface. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in the mission’s scientific objectives.
STEPS Instrument: Analyzing Supra-Thermal Particles:
The Supra Thermal & Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument, a crucial component of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle EXperiment (ASPEX) payload, has commenced its mission to gather scientific data. STEPS comprises six sensors, each observing in different directions and measuring supra-thermal and energetic ions, ranging from 20 keV/nucleon to 5 MeV/nucleon, as well as electrons exceeding 1 MeV.
Significance of Data Collection:
The data collected by STEPS during Earth’s orbits is invaluable for scientists as it provides essential insights into the behavior of particles surrounding our planet. This data becomes particularly significant in the presence of Earth’s magnetic field.
Key Activation Date: September 10, 2023:
STEPS was activated on September 10, 2023, when the Aditya-L1 spacecraft was positioned at a distance exceeding 50,000 kilometers from Earth. This distance is equivalent to more than eight times the radius of Earth, placing it well beyond Earth’s radiation belt region. Subsequently, after completing necessary instrument health checks, data collection continued as the spacecraft moved farther away from Earth.
Normal Operation of STEPS Units:
ISRO confirmed that each unit of STEPS is operating within normal parameters, ensuring the successful collection of valuable scientific data.
Implications for Aditya-L1 Mission:
The data collected by STEPS will continue to be crucial during the cruise phase of the Aditya-L1 mission as it progresses towards the Sun-Earth L1 point. These measurements will further enhance our understanding of the origin, acceleration, and anisotropy of solar wind and space weather phenomena.
Contributions from Research Institutions:
STEPS was developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) with support from the Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, showcasing the collaborative efforts of India’s leading research institutions in advancing space exploration.
Conclusion:
The commencement of scientific data collection by the STEPS instrument aboard the Aditya-L1 mission represents a significant achievement in India’s solar exploration endeavors. This milestone paves the way for a deeper understanding of our Sun and its impact on the space environment around Earth, contributing to both scientific knowledge and space weather forecasting capabilities.
