September 18, 2023
In a significant milestone for space science, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft has initiated the collection of invaluable scientific data. On September 10, 2023, the Supra Thermal & Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument, a key component of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle EXperiment (ASPEX) payload, was activated. This achievement marks a crucial step in advancing our understanding of the energetic particles surrounding Earth and their interaction with our planet's magnetic field.
STEPS, an acronym for Supra Thermal & Energetic Particle Spectrometer, is equipped with six sensors, each with a unique observational direction. These sensors are designed to measure supra-thermal and energetic ions within the energy range of 20 keV/nucleon to 5 MeV/nucleon, as well as electrons exceeding 1 MeV. The data collected by these sensors will enable scientists to study the dynamic behavior of particles within Earth's magnetosphere, particularly in the presence of Earth's magnetic field.
One of the standout features of the STEPS instrument is its ability to operate in both low and high-energy particle spectrometry modes, making it a versatile tool for scientific observations. The instrument was activated at a distance exceeding 50,000 kilometers from Earth, a distance more than eight times the Earth's radius. This strategic placement ensures that the instrument is well beyond Earth's radiation belt region, providing a clear and unobstructed view of the space environment.
After undergoing essential health checks, STEPS commenced its data collection mission and continued to operate until the spacecraft had moved beyond the 50,000-kilometer mark from Earth. Notably, all units of the STEPS instrument are performing within normal parameters, assuring the quality and reliability of the data being collected.
A figure included in the mission update illustrates the variations in the energetic particle environment within Earth's magnetosphere, as recorded by one of the STEPS units. These measurements are expected to persist throughout the cruise phase of the Aditya-L1 mission as the spacecraft progresses toward the Sun-Earth L1 point. Once in its intended orbit, Aditya-L1 will continue to provide crucial data, shedding light on the origin, acceleration, and anisotropy of solar wind and space weather phenomena.
The development of STEPS was a collaborative effort, with the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) leading the project and receiving support from the Space Application Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad. This partnership underscores the importance of international cooperation in advancing space science and exploration.
As Aditya-L1 embarks on its mission to unlock the mysteries of our solar system, the scientific community eagerly awaits the wealth of data that will undoubtedly deepen our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth.
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