ISRO's Aditya-L2 Mission: Tracking the Sun from Space

Sriharikota, April 1, 2026 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed a crucial mid-course correction manoeuvre for its Aditya-L2 mission today. This space technology mission, India’s second dedicated solar observation mission, is now well on its way to studying the Sun from a halo orbit around the Lagrange point L2. The successful manoeuvre, conducted at approximately 11:00 AM IST, ensures the spacecraft remains on its intended trajectory.

Aditya-L2 follows the Aditya-L1 mission, launched several years prior, which observed the Sun from the L1 Lagrange point. While Aditya-L1 provided invaluable data, Aditya-L2’s orbit around L2 offers a unique vantage point, allowing for continuous observation of the Sun without any occultation or eclipses. This uninterrupted view is critical for understanding solar dynamics and their impact on space weather.

Aditya-L2: Mission Objectives and Payloads

The primary objective of the Aditya-L2 mission is to study the Sun’s photosphere, chromosphere, and corona using seven different payloads. These payloads, developed indigenously, include:

• Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): For imaging the solar corona and studying its dynamics.
• Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT): To observe the Sun’s photosphere and chromosphere in the ultraviolet spectrum.
• Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): To study solar wind particles and their variations.
• Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): To analyze the composition and energy distribution of solar wind ions and electrons.
• Magnetometer: To measure the interplanetary magnetic field.

According to Dr. Shweta Rao, Project Director of Aditya-L2, "The data collected by these payloads will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of the Sun's behaviour and its influence on our planet. We are particularly interested in studying coronal mass ejections and solar flares, which can disrupt communication systems and power grids on Earth."

Comparing Aditya Missions: L1 vs L2

While both Aditya-L1 and Aditya-L2 are solar observation missions, their orbital locations provide different observational advantages. Aditya-L1, being closer to Earth, offers a more direct view of the Sun. Aditya-L2, on the other hand, benefits from being further away, providing a cleaner, less obstructed view. This allows for more precise measurements of the Sun's corona and solar wind.

The choice of L2 also minimizes the impact of Earth's magnetic field on the spacecraft's measurements. This is particularly important for the magnetometer payload, which requires a stable and interference-free environment.

India's Growing Prowess in Space Technology

The successful execution of the mid-course correction manoeuvre underscores India's growing expertise in space technology. reportersays, this mission builds upon the successes of previous ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, demonstrating India's commitment to scientific exploration and technological innovation. The Aditya-L2 mission is expected to last for at least five years, providing a wealth of data for solar physicists around the world.

The mission is a collaborative effort involving several research institutions and universities across India. The data collected will be made publicly available, fostering scientific collaboration and advancing our understanding of the Sun.

Availability and Cost of the Aditya-L2 Mission

While the data from the Aditya-L2 mission will be freely available to researchers and the public, the cost of the mission itself is estimated to be around ₹400 crores. This includes the development of the spacecraft, the payloads, and the launch costs. ISRO officials have stated that the mission is a cost-effective way to achieve significant scientific breakthroughs.

The mission control center at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru is continuously monitoring the spacecraft's health and performance. Regular updates will be provided on ISRO's website and social media channels.