INDIA'S STAR RISES

Another giant leap in space programme as Isro's Aditya-Ll is successfully placed in halo orbit near sun 

- Soumya Pillai

At 4pm on Saturday, India made history by parking its observatory — Aditya-L1 — in an orbit around Lagrange Point 1, about 1.5 million kilometres from us, setting the stage for at least five years of observations.

Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) performed a series of manoeuvres to place the craft in its intended halo orbit on Saturday, 126 days after the mission was launched on September 2 last year.

“Halo-Orbit Insertion (HOI) of its solar observatory spacecraft, Aditya-L1 was accomplished at 4pm on January 6,” the space agency said after the insertion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the achievement as “landmark” as he congratulated the scientists for their “relentless dedication”.

“India creates yet another landmark. India’s first solar observatory Aditya-L1 reaches its destination. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realising among the most complex and intricate space missions. I join the nation in applauding this extraordinary feat. We will continue to pursue new frontiers of science for the benefit of humanity,” PM Modi said on X, formerly Twitter.

The insertion of Aditya-L1 into the Halo Orbit presents a critical phase for the mission, which demanded precise navigation and control, the space agency said in a statement.