India successfully launches Aditya-L1 solar probe towards the sun

India has achieved another milestone in space exploration with the successful launch of its first space-based solar observatory mission, Aditya-L1.

The spacecraft, weighing over 3,264 pounds, was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota using a polar satellite launch vehicle. It will travel approximately 932,000 miles and spend over four months to reach its destination: a halo orbit around one of five Lagrangian points that allow continuous solar activity tracking.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has equipped Aditya-L1 with seven payloads, including instruments for remote sensing and on-site experiments. The mission aims to observe solar activities in real-time and understand their impact on space weather.

This venture marks India's entry into space-based solar observatory missions, previously explored by the U.S., Europe, and China. The Indian government has allocated about $46 million for the Aditya-L1 project, which was conceptualized in 2008 and later expanded to study the solar and space environment.

ISRO has been gaining global attention for its space achievements, including the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon. The agency is also preparing for the Gaganyaan human space flight mission in 2025 and an unmanned mission to Venus.

Additionally, collaborations with NASA and efforts to boost private participation in space missions have positioned India as a prominent player in space technology and exploration.