ISRO Conducts Trajectory Correction Maneuver for Aditya L1 Spacecraft

11 Oct 2023

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently executed a Trajectory Correction Maneuver (TCM) for its spacecraft Aditya L1, which is en route to the Sun Earth Lagrangian point 1 (L1).

Key Points

Aditya L1's Long Journey: Aditya L1 is embarking on a 110-day journey through space, making it one of the lengthiest missions for an Indian spacecraft since the Mars mission in 2013-2014.
Necessity of TCM: Unlike lunar missions, which cover a shorter distance in about three weeks, deep space missions to locations like Mars and Lagrangian Point 1 require several months due to the significantly greater distances involved.
Trajectory Correction in Deep Space: Deep space missions necessitate trajectory correction plans that employ orbit determination calculations to ensure the spacecraft stays on its intended path.
Timing and Fuel Conservation: The timing of trajectory corrections is crucial. Near destinations like the moon require corrections within a week, while missions to more distant locations, like Aditya L1, must make corrections as early as possible.
Smaller corrections involve brief engine firings to conserve fuel, while larger corrections require longer engine burns.
The Challenge of Orbiting L1: Aditya-L1's mission involves orbiting around L1, a balanced gravitational point between the Earth and the Sun.
This orbit is irregular and requires careful maintenance. It operates in three dimensions, unlike orbits around planetary bodies, which are typically two-dimensional.
Past TCMs: Trajectory Correction Manoeuvres are primarily needed for deep space missions and have been performed in the past for such missions.