ISRO's Aditya-L1 mission has begun collecting scientific data using its onboard STEPS (Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer) instrument.
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Payload
Developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) with support from the Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, STEPS is a key component of the mission's ASPEX payload.
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Significance
The data collected by the instrument will help analyze the behavior of particles surrounding Earth, particularly in the planet's magnetic field.
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Data collection
The STEPS instrument was activated on September 10 and will continue gathering data as the Aditya-L1 spacecraft approaches its target Sun-Earth Lagrangian point (L1).
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Positioning
Aditya L1's target destination, the L1 point represents a gravitationally stable position where the gravitational forces of the Sun and Earth balance each other.
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Observations
Positioned in a halo orbit around the L1 point, Aditya-L1 will be able to continuously monitor the Sun without Earth's interference.