ISRO Conducts Trajectory Correction Maneuver for Aditya L1 Mission

October 9, 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the successful execution of a Trajectory Correction Maneuver (TCM) for its Aditya L1 spacecraft. Aditya L1 is on a 110-day journey to reach the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point 1 (L1), marking one of the longest space missions undertaken by an Indian spacecraft since the 2013-2014 Mars mission. The TCM was deemed necessary to ensure that Aditya L1 maintains its course and reaches its destination at L1.

Challenges of Deep Space Missions

Unlike lunar missions, which typically take around three weeks to reach the moon, deep space missions to destinations like Mars and L1 require several months of travel. The longer distances involved necessitate precise trajectory correction plans, ensuring that the spacecraft remains on the correct path to its destination. ISRO’s previous Mars Orbiter Mission, for instance, required three TCMs to reach its intended trajectory.

The Purpose of Trajectory Correction Maneuvers

Trajectory Correction Maneuvers are essential for deep space missions to ensure that the spacecraft follows the planned trajectory accurately. In the case of Aditya L1, which aims to orbit L1, scientists detected possible trajectory errors soon after the Trans Lagrangian Point 1 Insertion maneuver. These maneuvers help correct deviations in the spacecraft’s path, ensuring that it remains on course to reach its destination.

Trim Maneuvers and Orbit Maintenance

Trim maneuvers are part of the mission plans for deep space missions like Aditya L1, and they have been a standard practice since Chandrayaan 1 in 2008. These maneuvers involve assessing the orbit realized after each orbit-raising maneuver and making necessary corrections as early as possible. In the case of long journeys like Aditya L1’s, even small deviations at the beginning of the mission could have significant implications over time.

Complexity of L1 Orbit

Aditya L1’s mission involves achieving orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point 1 (L1). This orbit is particularly challenging due to its three-dimensional nature and the gravitational forces at play. Maintaining this orbit may require multiple course corrections during the spacecraft’s mission life.

ISRO’s Past Trajectory Correction Maneuvers

Trajectory Correction Maneuvers are typically required for deep space missions. ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission, for example, underwent three TCMs to ensure it reached its intended distance of 500 km (plus or minus 60 km) from Mars. These maneuvers were crucial for fine-tuning the spacecraft’s trajectory and ensuring it reached its desired orbit around the Red Planet.

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