A new high: On the Aditya-L1 mission and ISRO outreach

Context: On January 6 Aditya-L1 reached its destination, around the L1 Lagrange point, from where it will have an unfettered view of the sun for its expected lifetime of five years.

Overview of ISRO:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of the Government of India, established in 1969, with headquarters in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• It is recognized for its cost-effective and innovative approach to space missions, achieving milestones in space exploration and satellite technology.

Notable Achievements:

• ISRO launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, in 1975.
• Global recognition came with the successful launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013, making India the first Asian nation to reach Martian orbit on its maiden attempt.

Diverse Portfolio:

• ISRO's portfolio includes satellite communication, Earth observation, navigation, scientific research, and interplanetary exploration.
• Key launch vehicles include Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

Aditya-L1 Mission:

• Aditya-L1 is an observatory-class solar mission focusing on studying the sun with seven instruments.
• Instruments include VELC, SUIT, SoLEXS, HEL1OS, ASPEX, PAPA, and digital magnetometers.
• Positioned at L1 Lagrange point, 1.5 million km from Earth, Aditya-L1 can stay there with minimal fuel consumption.

Historical Context:

• Aditya-L1 builds upon India's history of solar observation, dating back to the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in 1901.
• The mission follows XPoSat and AstroSat, contributing to India's achievements in space observation.

Public Perception Challenges:

• Public perception may not fully appreciate achievements like Aditya-L1 and AstroSat compared to telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
• Expectations for hi-res photographs from Indian spacecraft may lead to disillusionment.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST):

• JWST is a collaborative project involving NASA, ESA, and CSA, designed for infrared astronomy.
• Its high-resolution instruments allow observation of distant objects and detailed study of exoplanets' atmospheres.

Recommendations for ISRO:

• ISRO could enhance public outreach efforts, organizing open days and regularly sharing science communication on mission results.
• Encouragement for public celebration of achievements, considering public interest in mission components.