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ISRO’s LVM3 Sets New Benchmarks with BlueBird Block-2 Commercial Mission

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
ISRO

India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle, LVM3, delivered another defining moment for the country’s space programme with the successful launch of the BlueBird Block-2 mission. On the morning of December 24, 2025, the LVM3-M6 rocket lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying one of the most ambitious commercial communication satellites ever built.

Within just 15 minutes of liftoff, the mission achieved its objective, placing the satellite precisely into its designated low Earth orbit. The success added yet another chapter to ISRO’s growing reputation as a reliable partner in the global space market.

Two Records in a Single Mission

The BlueBird Block-2 launch was not routine by any measure. It marked two significant firsts for India. The satellite became the largest commercial communications spacecraft ever deployed in low Earth orbit, and at 6,100 kilograms, it also emerged as the heaviest payload launched by LVM3 from Indian soil.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan described the mission as a moment of pride, highlighting the exceptional orbital accuracy achieved. The deviation from the intended orbit was under two kilometres, a performance that stands among the best globally for heavy-lift launch vehicles.

India’s First Dedicated US Commercial Launch

This mission also carried strategic importance. It was the first time ISRO undertook a fully dedicated commercial launch for a customer from the United States. Developed by AST SpaceMobile, the BlueBird Block-2 satellite represents a new generation of space-based communication platforms.

With this launch, India’s cumulative tally rose to 434 satellites launched for 34 different countries, reinforcing ISRO’s role as a trusted launch service provider.

What Makes BlueBird Block-2 Special

BlueBird Block-2 is part of a broader low Earth orbit constellation aimed at redefining mobile connectivity. Unlike traditional satellites that rely on ground terminals, this system is designed to connect directly with standard smartphones.

Equipped with a massive 223 square metre phased array, the satellite is built to enable 4G and 5G services from space. Voice calls, video calls, messaging, streaming and data access are all intended to work seamlessly, even in remote and underserved regions. The scale and ambition of this satellite underline why it has drawn global attention.

Reliability of LVM3 Comes to the Fore

The LVM3-M6 mission was the ninth successful flight of India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle and its third dedicated commercial mission. With every success, LVM3 continues to demonstrate consistent performance and reliability, qualities essential for both human spaceflight and international commercial launches.

Dr. Narayanan also noted that this was the 104th launch from Sriharikota and a rare operational achievement: two LVM3 missions completed within a span of just 52 days. Coordinating such back-to-back launches required intense planning and close collaboration across multiple ISRO centres.

A Boost for Future Missions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the achievement, noting that the success reflects the growing strength of India’s space ecosystem, driven largely by young scientists and engineers. He highlighted that the dependable heavy-lift capability of LVM3 lays a strong foundation for upcoming missions such as Gaganyaan, expanded commercial services and deeper international partnerships.

The mission also aligns with India’s broader push toward technological self-reliance while remaining globally connected.

Expanding India’s Space Horizon

Beyond the technical milestones, the BlueBird Block-2 launch sends a clear message. India is no longer just a cost-effective launch option; it is a precision-driven, high-capacity spacefaring nation capable of handling some of the world’s most complex commercial payloads.

As demand for low Earth orbit constellations continues to grow, ISRO’s demonstrated ability to deliver heavy satellites with accuracy and speed positions it strongly for the next phase of global space activity.

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Earth Looks Borderless from Space: Astronaut Shukla ’s Message

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com
spc

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to board the International Space Station (ISS), described Earth as “borderless” and India as “much larger than shown on maps” during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This historic moment not only marks India’s expanding space presence but also builds momentum toward the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission, set to send Indian astronauts into space by 2027.

Astronaut’s View: Earth Without Borders
Speaking from the ISS with the Indian flag in the backdrop, Shukla expressed awe at the view of Earth, emphasizing a profound realization of global unity.

“India looks beautiful and much larger than how it appears on maps. From here, there are no countries, only humanity. The Earth is our shared home,” he told PM Modi in the live-streamed interaction.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the sentiment, saying Shukla’s journey from India to space represents a new era of scientific and national achievement.

Mission Gaganyaan: India’s Next Leap
Calling Shukla’s space journey “the first step” toward India’s human spaceflight project, Modi affirmed the government’s dedication to building an Indian space station and eventually landing an Indian astronaut on the Moon.

“Your experience will be vital for our future missions. Mission Gaganyaan will take strength from your observations,” the PM stated.

The Gaganyaan mission, currently planned for 2027, aims to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit aboard an indigenous spacecraft developed by ISRO.

A Glimpse of Life in Space
During their candid exchange, Shukla shared details of daily life aboard the ISS, including challenges of weightlessness, floating in microgravity, and the joy of sharing Indian food like gajar ka halwa and aam ras with international crew members.

“Despite all the preparation, adjusting to weightlessness still takes effort. I’ve had to tie my feet down just to speak to you,” Shukla quipped, prompting a chuckle from Modi.

The astronaut will spend 14 days in space conducting observational studies relevant to India’s future crewed missions.

India’s ₹548 Crore Investment in Space Diplomacy
Shukla’s journey is part of the Axiom-4 commercial space mission, which includes three first-time astronauts. India invested ₹548 crore in the mission, aimed not only at technology acquisition but also at strengthening India’s role in global space exploration.

“This journey is not just to space; it’s a leap toward Viksit Bharat,” said PM Modi, referencing India’s 2047 vision for development.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the ISS is more than a personal achievement—it is a symbol of India’s growing ambitions in space. His insights and experiences will directly inform the Gaganyaan mission and future Indian ventures in orbit and beyond. As Modi stated, India’s eyes are now set on building its own space station and stepping on the Moon.

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ISRO’s SpaDeX Launch-India Edges Closer to Docking Technology Mastery

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

In a historic milestone, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C60 mission late Monday night, marking a major leap toward India’s ambitious plan of establishing its own space station by 2035. The mission, which successfully placed two spacecraft into the desired low Earth orbit, is a prelude to India mastering the complex technology of in-space docking—an essential cornerstone for advanced space missions.

A Bold Vision for the Future

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) stood tall at 44.5 meters, carrying two spacecraft, each weighing 220 kg, designed for space docking, satellite servicing, and interplanetary missions. This feat positions India to join an elite group of nations—China, Russia, and the US—that have achieved in-space docking capabilities.

Dubbed the SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission, the PSLV-C60 launch not only underlines India’s growing prowess in space exploration but also sets the stage for missions like Chandrayaan-4 (sample return from the Moon) and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Mission Director M. Jayakumar announced the accomplishment, saying, “PSLV-C60 mission accomplished as of SpaDeX spacecraft is considered.”

Video Source: www.isro.gov.in

Precision in Spacecraft Deployment

The two spacecraft, named Spacecraft A (SDX01) or the ‘Chaser’ and Spacecraft B (SDX02) or the ‘Target,’ were successfully deployed into orbit after the rocket lifted off at 10 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Following a 25-hour countdown, the rocket soared into the night sky with a thunderous roar, leaving a trail of orange-colored fumes.

At an altitude of 470 km, the two spacecraft are designed to maneuver toward each other, eventually merging through a precise docking process. Scientists at ISRO are working meticulously to reduce the distance between the spacecraft, synchronizing their speed and trajectory to achieve this intricate feat.

Why SpaDeX Matters

In-space docking technology is critical for enhancing operational flexibility and achieving complex mission objectives. By mastering this capability, ISRO is set to open new avenues for:

  • Human space exploration, including future manned missions to the Moon.
  • Interplanetary missions, where spacecraft may need to refuel or assemble mid-space.
  • Space station operations, as India prepares to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

“Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology,” ISRO noted, emphasizing the strategic importance of SpaDeX.

A Year of Triumphs for ISRO

The PSLV-C60 mission concludes ISRO’s 2024 calendar, a year that began with the successful launch of the PSLV-C58/XPOSAT mission on January 1. Notably, the PSLV-C60 rocket is the first to be integrated up to its fourth stage at the PSLV Integration Facility (PIF) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

As India steps closer to realizing its dream of a self-sustaining space station by 2035, the SpaDeX mission stands as a testament to ISRO’s vision, determination, and technological excellence. With each milestone, India continues to cement its place as a formidable force in global space exploration.

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LignoSat: The Wooden Satellite Pioneering a Greener Space Frontier

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

In an era defined by technological marvels and environmental challenges, the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, has just reached the International Space Station (ISS), ready to undergo a groundbreaking test in low-Earth orbit. This tiny Japanese satellite, a mere 4 inches on each side, might be small, but it represents a massive leap forward in sustainable space technology. Developed through a collaboration between Kyoto University and the Tokyo-based Sumitomo Forestry, LignoSat uses magnolia wood as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional satellite materials, marking the start of a journey that could reshape space exploration’s environmental impact.

Why Wood in Space?

Wood might seem an unlikely candidate for the hostile environment of space, but LignoSat’s designers argue that it offers unique advantages. Satellites are traditionally constructed from aluminum, which has its strengths, yet comes with a hidden cost: pollution. When these metal satellites re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, they generate aluminum oxides, which may disrupt the planet’s thermal balance and even harm the ozone layer.

NASA’s deputy chief scientist Meghan Everett explained this dynamic, noting that a wooden satellite like LignoSat could offer a cleaner alternative that decomposes with minimal impact. “Researchers hope this investigation demonstrates that a wooden satellite can be more sustainable and less polluting for the environment than conventional satellites,” she said.

With the proliferation of megaconstellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink—now at approximately 6,500 active satellites—the pressure on Earth’s atmosphere is only growing. If successful, wooden satellites could provide a novel solution to limit the damage of re-entry, replacing harmful metals with biodegradable materials.

The Road to Testing: LignoSat’s Path on the ISS

LignoSat isn’t a mere concept anymore. Delivered by a SpaceX Dragon capsule to the ISS, it’s now awaiting deployment into orbit from the station’s Kibo module. Once released, the satellite’s mission team, alongside student researchers, will monitor its temperature and assess structural integrity in response to the rigors of space—particularly exposure to atomic oxygen and cosmic radiation.

This data will reveal not only if wood can withstand the harsh environment of space but if it could indeed become a mainstay material for sustainable satellites. The team is hopeful: a successful test could mean wooden satellites join the ranks of spacecraft exploring not only Earth’s orbit but perhaps eventually the moon, Mars, and beyond.

Vision for a Sustainable Space Age

Takao Doi, a retired astronaut and current professor at Kyoto University, believes that this experiment could fundamentally change how satellites are made. “Metal satellites might be banned in the future,” he noted, alluding to the growing awareness of space pollution. If LignoSat’s data shows it performs well, Doi and the team are prepared to propose the idea of wooden satellites to major industry players, including Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Beyond Earth orbit, wood’s potential as a building material has implications that could extend to extraterrestrial construction as well. As Sumitomo Forestry’s Kenji Kariya points out, “Wood is actually cutting-edge technology as civilization heads to the moon and Mars.” This concept of sustainable materials in space could fuel both the timber industry on Earth and the creation of more eco-friendly space infrastructures.

A Test for the Future

LignoSat’s arrival at the ISS signifies a small yet pivotal step toward sustainability in space. Its upcoming six-month test phase promises to open doors for new technologies and partnerships aimed at reducing space industry pollution while advancing eco-conscious exploration. What once may have seemed an unusual idea—wood in the stars—now hints at a greener future for spaceflight.

With environmental pressures mounting on Earth, innovations like LignoSat reflect a promising shift: from high-tech metallic construction to a more balanced relationship between humanity and space, one grounded in sustainable principles. And as this tiny wooden cube orbits Earth, it may be carving out a path to a cleaner, greener cosmos.

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NASA’s Curiosity Rover Discovers Pure Yellow Sulfur Crystals on Mars

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

In a groundbreaking discovery, NASA’s Curiosity rover has identified pure yellow sulfur on Mars. During its decade-long journey on the Martian surface, the rover cracked open a rock, revealing sulfur inside. This discovery occurred on May 30 while Curiosity was exploring Gediz Vallis.

The rover’s camera focused on a rock it had tripped over, leading scientists to observe yellow crystals within it. This was followed by the discovery of another pure sulfur crystal nearby. While sulfur has previously been detected on Mars, it was always in combination with other elements. This marks the first time a pure form of sulfur has been found on the Martian surface.

Ashwin Vasavada, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory working on the Curiosity rover project, commented on the discovery, saying, “It shouldn’t be there, so now we have to explain it. Discovering strange and unexpected things is what makes planetary exploration so exciting.”

Curiosity has since parked near a larger rock, named Mammoth Lakes, to study this new find. The sulfur crystal from the earlier discovery was too small to be studied in detail, prompting the rover to target this larger rock. Using a drill joint on its robotic arm, Curiosity will create a hole in the sample rock for future observation and study.

Having been on Mars for 12 years, the Curiosity rover has made numerous significant discoveries, including identifying various rocks, channels, and craters. Gediz Vallis, a channel winding down the slopes of Mount Sharp in the center of the Gale Crater, has become a focal point for studying Martian life and the planet’s geological history.

In Gediz Vallis, Curiosity has identified several intriguing features, particularly in the mounds of debris scattered throughout the channel. The rocks in this region exhibit pale rings or halos near their edges, adding to the evidence suggesting that Mars once had significant bodies of water.

Additionally, in May, Curiosity found rocks containing manganese oxide. This discovery is particularly noteworthy as the formation of manganese oxide requires the presence of oxygen. These rocks provide the best evidence yet that Mars once had an oxygen-rich, Earth-like atmosphere.

Overall, Curiosity’s findings at Gediz Vallis and the adjacent regions have significantly expanded our knowledge of Mars’ geological past and the possibility that the planet once harbored life. The evidence of previous water activity and the presence of oxygen-rich minerals suggest that Mars may have once had conditions suitable for life, making it a crucial location for current and future exploration.

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New Image Reveals Radiant Cosmic Dance of the Penguin and Egg Galaxies

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has marked its second anniversary with a breathtaking new image of two galaxies, known as the Penguin and the Egg, locked in an intricate cosmic dance. This latest image showcases the observatory’s remarkable capabilities and its contributions to our understanding of the universe.

Launched on December 25, 2021, the Webb telescope began its scientific mission with its first observations released on July 12, 2022. Since then, it has provided unparalleled views of the cosmos, capturing light across infrared wavelengths that are invisible to the human eye. These capabilities allow Webb to see through dense gas and dust, revealing distant galaxies, detecting molecules in exoplanet atmospheres, and detailing the explosive deaths of stars.

“With remarkable images from the corners of the cosmos, going back nearly to the beginning of time, Webb’s capabilities are shedding new light on our celestial surroundings and inspiring future generations of scientists, astronomers, and explorers,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

The new image features the intertwined Penguin and Egg galaxies, collectively known as Arp 142. Located 326 million light-years away in the Hydra constellation, these galaxies resemble a penguin guarding an egg. Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera and Mid-Infrared Instrument captured this detailed portrait by combining observations in both near-infrared and mid-infrared light.

The blue haze in the image represents a mix of stars and gas, illustrating how the two galaxies are gravitationally bound. Separated by about 100,000 light-years—astronomically close—the Penguin and Egg galaxies began their interaction 25 to 75 million years ago. They are expected to merge into a single galaxy millions of years from now.

The Hubble Space Telescope previously imaged this galactic pair in visible light in 2013, but Webb’s infrared capabilities reveal previously unseen details. Initially, the Penguin galaxy had a spiral shape, but interactions with the Egg galaxy have reshaped it. The Penguin’s center now appears as its eye, with unwound spiral arms forming a beak, head, backbone, and fanning tail.

This galactic dance has caused gravitational forces to compress gas and dust in the Penguin, sparking waves of star formation. These new stars appear as feathers in the Penguin’s tail and fish-like shapes in its beak. The surrounding smoky material contains carbon molecules, while faint orange regions represent dust. In the background, distant spiral and oval-shaped galaxies are visible.

The Egg galaxy, oval-shaped and filled with aging stars, remains largely unchanged due to its lower gas and dust content. Despite the ongoing interaction, the Penguin has not overtaken the Egg because both galaxies have similar mass.

NASA has shared a visualization of the Webb image, allowing viewers to “fly” through the galaxies. Astronomers estimate that the Webb telescope will continue to operate for at least 20 years, providing invaluable insights into the universe’s mysteries.

“In just two years, Webb has transformed our view of the universe, enabling the kind of world-class science that drove NASA to make this mission a reality,” said Mark Clampin, director of NASA’s Astrophysics Division. “Webb is providing insights into longstanding mysteries about the early universe and ushering in a new era of studying distant worlds, while returning images that inspire people around the world and posing exciting new questions to answer. It has never been more possible to explore every facet of the universe.”

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NASA’s Juno Spacecraft Unveils Awe-Inspiring View of Jupiter – Mammoth Great Red Spot

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

NASA’s Juno spacecraft has delivered a breathtaking image of Jupiter’s infamous Great Red Spot, revealing the colossal scale of the gas giant’s most notorious storm. Captured from a mere 8,648 miles (13,917 kilometers) away, this true-color portrait showcases the storm’s immense size, with dimensions that dwarf our own planet Earth.

The Great Red Spot, a turbulent storm twice the size of Earth, has fascinated scientists and astronomy enthusiasts for over 350 years. Its swirling, tempestuous presence has been a constant feature in our solar system, serving as a stark reminder of the dynamic and often mysterious nature of planetary atmospheres.

NASA took to social media to share this extraordinary snapshot, highlighting the sheer magnitude and enduring presence of this Jovian storm. “Our spacecraft Juno captured Jupiter’s Great Red Spot in this true color portrait from around 8,648 miles (13,917 km) away,” NASA shared, captivating the imagination of space enthusiasts worldwide.

Despite its enduring presence, recent observations by Juno suggest that the Great Red Spot is undergoing significant changes. Measurements indicate that the storm is slowly shrinking, with its height diminishing by an eighth and its width by at least a third compared to data recorded by NASA’s Voyager spacecraft in 1979. However, the storm remains a colossal force, with recent studies revealing that it extends approximately 200 miles (300 kilometers) beneath Jupiter’s cloud tops.

The dynamics of the Great Red Spot are further emphasized by its powerful winds, which can reach speeds of up to 400 mph (643 kph), unparalleled by any terrestrial storm. This is largely attributed to Jupiter’s lack of solid ground, which allows storms like the Great Red Spot to persist and evolve without the same dissipative forces experienced on Earth.

The image shared by NASA not only highlights the Great Red Spot’s impressive scale and beauty but also the contrasting colors of Jupiter’s atmosphere. Surrounding the storm are spiraling wisps of red, tan, and orange, set against the planet’s horizon in shades of beige, brown, and blue.

Since its release on Instagram, the image has garnered widespread admiration, amassing over two hundred thousand likes and sparking lively discussions among followers. Comments range from expressions of awe at the storm’s size and longevity to light-hearted comparisons to everyday objects. “Looks like a fried egg,” joked one user, while another marveled, “Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is a centuries-old storm bigger than Earth!”

This latest contribution from the Juno mission continues to enhance our understanding of Jupiter, offering unprecedented insights into the workings of our solar system’s largest planet. As the spacecraft continues its journey around Jupiter, it promises to unveil further secrets and deepen our appreciation for the complex beauty of the universe.

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ISRO: Aditya L1 Satellite trespasses into its Final Orbit.

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed the successful placement of the Aditya L1 satellite into its final orbit on January 6, 2024. The space agency shared the milestone through a social media post, revealing that Aditya L1 has effectively entered the Halo orbit around the L1 point.

Regarded as a highly challenging task, the precision placement of the satellite in the Halo orbit at the Lagrangian point was meticulously executed by ISRO. The Ground Command Centre, situated approximately 1.5 million km away, played a crucial role as ISRO utilized the motor and thrusters for this intricate maneuver.

The propulsion system of the Aditya L1 spacecraft, comprising a 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor, eight 22 Newton thrusters, and four 10 Newton thrusters, was skillfully employed in a series of intermittent firings to guide the spacecraft to the L1 point.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended ISRO’s success, expressing confidence in India’s commitment to exploring new frontiers of science. Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, hailed the accomplishment as a proud moment for the country under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Aditya L1 marks India’s inaugural solar mission, designed to observe and study the Sun’s Corona, unraveling the mysteries of its extreme heat and its impact on Earth. The Lagrangian Point, or L1, represents the equilibrium point where gravitational forces between the Earth and the Sun allow uninterrupted observation of the Sun without the interference of eclipses.

Following its launch from Sriharikota, Aditya L1 underwent four Earth-bound maneuvers and a Trans Lagrangian Point Insertion maneuver to reach its final orbit. The successful positioning of Aditya L1 in its designated orbit signifies a significant stride in India’s scientific exploration, specifically in understanding the Sun-Earth connection.

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Milestone in the Sky: Aditya-L1 to Perfect Orbital Dance on January 6, Says ISRO.

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, is scheduled to reach its destination, the Lagrangian point (L1), located 1.5 million km from Earth, on January 6, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission, launched on September 2, aims to study the Sun from a unique orbit.

Destination Day: ISRO chairman S Somanath announced that Aditya-L1 is expected to reach the Lagrangian point on January 6.

Mission Background: Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on September 2, Aditya-L1 is India’s first space-based observatory designed to study the Sun.

Technical Maneuver: Once at the Lagrangian point, the spacecraft will require an engine firing to ensure it stays in its designated orbit and does not drift further.

Five-Year Mission: Aditya-L1, upon reaching its destination, will observe and measure various solar events for the next five years.

Global Impact: The data collected by Aditya-L1 will not only benefit India but also contribute valuable insights to understanding the dynamics of the Sun and its impact on life worldwide.

ISRO’s Vision: ISRO chief S Somanath emphasized the importance of India’s technological advancement and shared plans to build an Indian space station called ‘Bharatiya space station,’ aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives.

Economic Growth: Acknowledging the changing landscape of the space sector, Somanath highlighted ISRO’s commitment to supporting and encouraging new actors, fostering economic growth around the new generation in the space industry.

As Aditya-L1 reaches this significant milestone, it marks a step forward in India’s space exploration journey, contributing valuable solar data for scientific understanding and technological growth.

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“First Light of Sun” Captured by Aditya-L1, ISRO Shares Details

by theparliamentnews.com
written by theparliamentnews.com

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has fruitfully captured the first high-energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares using the High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) instrument on board the Aditya-L1 spacecraft.

HEL1OS is a devoted Indian space mission for the study of the Sun from an orbit around the L1 Lagrange point, which is about 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. The instrument was developed by the Space Astronomy Group of the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, India.

The first observation period for HEL1OS began on October 29, 2023. During this time, the instrument was able to record the spontaneous phase of solar flares. Solar flares are sudden brightening’s of the Sun’s atmosphere that produce greater emission across the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

HEL1OS is distinctively designed to study the impulsive hard X-ray emission from solar flares. This emission is very difficult to portray and understand because it is highly time variable and has multiple spectral components. HEL1OS overcomes these difficulties by having a set of detectors that are specifically tuned to different energy ranges and provide very high spectral and time resolution measurements.

“Commissioned on October 27, 2023, HEL1OS is currently undergoing fine-tuning of thresholds and calibration operations. The instrument is set to monitor the Sun’s high-energy X-ray activity with fast timing and high-resolution spectra,” ISRO stated in a release.

The HEL1OS data will enable researchers to study explosive energy release and electron acceleration during the impulsive phases of solar flares. This information will help us to better understand the Sun’s corona, which is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere.

Aditya-L1 spacecraft

The Aditya-L1 spacecraft is designed to provide remote observations of the solar corona and in-situ observations of the solar wind at L1. The spacecraft carries seven payloads to observe the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost layers of the Sun, the corona, in different wavebands.

Aditya-L1 is a fully indigenous effort with the participation of national institutions.

Significance of the mission

The Aditya-L1 mission is a significant step forward for India’s space program. It is the first dedicated Indian space mission for the study of the Sun and will provide valuable data that will help us to better understand our nearest star.

The mission is also important for the development of India’s space technology. The Aditya-L1 spacecraft is a sophisticated spacecraft that incorporates a number of new technologies. The successful development and launch of the spacecraft is a testament to the capabilities of the Indian space industry.

Conclusion

The successful capture of the first high-energy X-ray glimpse of solar flares by HEL1OS is a significant achievement for the Aditya-L1 mission. The data from HEL1OS will help us to better understand the Sun and its corona. The Aditya-L1 mission is a valuable property for India’s space program and will contribute to the advancement of our knowledge of the Sun.

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