India’s inaugural solar mission, Aditya-L1, is set to reach its destination, the Lagrangian point (L1), on January 6. This significant milestone will be achieved 1.5 million km away from Earth. Launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on September 2, Aditya-L1 is a pioneering space-based observatory designed to study the Sun from a halo orbit L1. ISRO Chairman S Somanath confirmed this development during a press conference held at the Bharatiya Vigyan Sammelan, which was organized by Vijnana Bharati, an NGO promoting scientific awareness.

Once Aditya-L1 arrives at the L1 point, the engine will be fired to ensure it remains within the desired range. It will then orbit around the L1 point, where it will remain stationed for the next five years. During this time, it will gather crucial data about the Sun’s activities, which will not only be significant for India but for the entire world. This data will greatly contribute to our understanding of the Sun’s dynamics and its impact on our daily lives, emphasizes the ISRO chief.

Furthermore, India’s technological advancement is of utmost importance, and ISRO has already planned the creation of an Indian space station, known as the ‘Bharatiya space station.’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his support for this endeavor, providing instructions for its development. In line with this vision, ISRO aims to nurture and facilitate the growth of new players in the space domain, fostering economic development and bolstering India’s position as a technological powerhouse. It recognizes the need to focus on sectors where it can excel and become a global leader.