A Bold Leap For Solar Science: ISRO Widens The Gates To Aditya-L1 Data

The Indian Space Research Organisation has officially expanded the horizon for domestic solar research by issuing a secondary call for scientific proposals.

This latest Announcement of Opportunity is designed to democratise access to the sophisticated observational data streaming from the Aditya-L1 mission.

By inviting a broader spectrum of the Indian scientific community to engage with the mission’s findings, the space agency aims to squeeze every drop of scientific potential from this historic venture.

Currently, the mission has already generated a staggering 27 terabytes of data, which is hosted in the public domain for global scrutiny. This wealth of information has already borne fruit, underpinning numerous peer-reviewed studies in international journals.

However, this new initiative specifically targets the intellectual capital within India, seeking to bolster the nation’s internal research ecosystem and foster a new generation of solar experts.

The invitation is specifically tailored for researchers, academicians, and scientists affiliated with recognised Indian institutions and universities. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate an active involvement in solar physics and provide a rigorous technical justification for their proposed studies. Those selected will operate as principal investigators, gaining a dedicated window for their observations between July and September of this year.

Aditya-L1 holds a prestigious position as India’s debut dedicated space observatory for solar study. Since its launch in September 2023, the craft has been a marvel of orbital mechanics. It currently resides in a complex halo orbit around the Lagrangian point L1, a gravitational sweet spot located roughly 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. This specific location is crucial as it permits a permanent, unobstructed view of the Sun.

From its vantage point, the spacecraft remains unaffected by the usual terrestrial interruptions of eclipses or occultations. This constancy is vital for monitoring the volatile nature of our star. The mission’s sophisticated suite of seven scientific payloads works in tandem to provide a holistic view of solar activity, split between remote sensing and direct sampling of the space environment.

Four of these instruments act as remote eyes, peering into the various layers of the solar atmosphere. They capture data from the photosphere, chromosphere, and the outermost corona across multiple wavelengths.

These observations are essential for understanding why the corona is significantly hotter than the solar surface, a mystery that has long puzzled the scientific community.

Complementing these are three in-situ instruments that act as "weather stations" in deep space. These sensors measure the solar wind particles and magnetic fields that flow past the spacecraft.

By correlating what is seen on the Sun’s surface with what is felt at the L1 point, scientists can better predict space weather phenomena that have the potential to disrupt satellite communications and power grids on Earth.

ISRO’s decision to widen data access represents a strategic shift towards collaborative excellence. By opening the doors to a wider array of Indian minds, the agency is ensuring that the Aditya-L1 mission does more than just orbit a distant point; it serves as a catalyst for a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics that govern our solar system.

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Indian Astrophysicists Capture Nearest-Ever Solar Shock Waves, Boosting Satellite Safeguards Via Aditya-L1 Discovery

Observations by Aditya-L1 help decode unusual dawn-time geomagnetic disturbances during strong solar storms

A team of astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has achieved a landmark advancement in solar physics by recording the closest observations yet of shock waves produced by a coronal mass ejection (CME) close to the Sun's surface, according to media reports.

This discovery sheds crucial light on the origins of hazardous solar storms that threaten Earth's technological infrastructure. The findings promise enhanced space weather predictions to protect satellites, GPS networks, and power grids.

The observations occurred on 27 May 2024, when scientists detected a CME-driven shock forming roughly 130,000 kilometres above the solar surface, hurtling at nearly 1,700 kilometres per second. 

Much like a supersonic aircraft generates a sonic boom upon surpassing the sound barrier, these rapid CMEs create powerful shock waves in the heliosphere. Such phenomena can compress Earth's magnetosphere, sparking geomagnetic storms with widespread repercussions.

These solar shocks pose severe risks by disrupting satellite operations, interfering with GPS signals, and blacking out radio communications. They may also overload electrical grids and heighten radiation exposure for astronauts and high-altitude flights, while paradoxically amplifying auroral displays. In an era of escalating space dependency, pinpointing these events' initiation proves vital for mitigation strategies.

The breakthrough hinged on synergistic data from two key Indian assets: the Gauribidanur radio telescope in Karnataka, the nation's sole low-frequency solar radio observatory operated by IIA, and the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) aboard the Aditya-L1 solar mission.

Radio emissions from the shocks were captured by Gauribidanur, while VELC provided precise visible-light imagery of the parent CME in the Sun's corona. This rare coordination enabled unambiguous shock detection at unprecedented proximity.

Prof. R Ramesh, IIA Senior Professor and VELC Principal Investigator, hailed it as the nearest such solar shock and radio burst ever confirmed. For decades, researchers debated these shocks' birthplaces near the Sun, as interplanetary examples abound near Earth but early-stage evidence remained elusive. The May event possibly stemmed from the same sunspot region behind the intense 'Mother's Day' storm earlier that month, rotated back into view by solar dynamics.

Lead researcher Dr. C. Kathiravan emphasised the potential for even finer detections during Solar Cycle 25's peak, perhaps within 30,000 kilometres of the photosphere. Ongoing multi-instrument campaigns could refine models of shock formation and propagation. This work underscores Aditya-L1's pivotal role since its 2023 launch, validating India's prowess in solar observation.

The results, slated for publication in the Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy, represent a leap in space weather forecasting accuracy. Early warnings could enable satellite shielding, GPS recalibrations, and grid fortifications against solar onslaughts. As solar maximum intensifies, such insights grow ever more indispensable for safeguarding global connectivity and economies.

This achievement bolsters India's standing in heliophysics amid rising geopolitical focus on space resilience. With adversaries probing satellite vulnerabilities, indigenous capabilities like Aditya-L1 fortify national security interests. Future missions may integrate these findings to pioneer AI-driven storm alerts, aligning with defence and aerospace priorities.

(Report synthesised from multiple news reports by India Today, The Hindu, PTI and others dated Feb 26, 2026)

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ISRO Planning Multiple Satellite Launches In 2026, Says Chairman V Narayanan

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is gearing up for an ambitious slate of satellite launches in 2026, according to Chairman, V Narayanan. Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday, Narayanan revealed that extensive preparations are underway for these missions.

He indicated that formal announcements would follow a forthcoming meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Narayanan emphasised the scale of the planned activities, stating that ISRO intends to despatch a substantial number of satellites this year.

This push aligns with India's accelerating space program, which has garnered global attention through recent successes such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing and the Aditya-L1 solar mission. The 2026 launches are poised to bolster India's satellite constellation for communication, earth observation, and scientific research.

Addressing remarks from astronaut Sunita Williams, who advocated for deeper India-US collaboration in space exploration, Narayanan highlighted ISRO's robust international partnerships. He noted collaborations with around 60 friendly nations, underscoring their mutual benefits in advancing space endeavours. These ties have already facilitated joint projects, technology transfers, and shared missions.

Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, ISRO is pursuing transformative goals, including the establishment of an Indian Space Station. Narayanan reaffirmed plans to send astronauts to the Moon and ensure their safe return, marking a significant stride towards human spaceflight capabilities. These initiatives reflect India's commitment to becoming a frontrunner in the global space race.

The Chairman also touched upon a recent technical hiccup during the PSLV-C62 mission. He explained that the PSLV is a four-stage rocket, and a deviation occurred in the flight path after the third stage. 

ISRO scientists are meticulously analysing the anomaly, which was first reported on 12 January, to pinpoint the causes and refine future operations.

This development comes amid ISRO's track record of reliability with the PSLV series, which has successfully orbited hundreds of satellites over decades. The ongoing investigation underscores the agency's rigorous approach to mission assurance, ensuring that upcoming launches, including those in 2026, maintain the highest standards of precision.

Narayanan's comments signal a pivotal year ahead for Indian space exploration, blending indigenous innovation with global cooperation.

As ISRO awaits the Prime Minister's input, anticipation builds around the specifics of the satellite deployments, potentially including advanced imaging, navigation, and climate-monitoring payloads.

Based On PTI Report

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ISRO-ESA Conduct Heliophysics Workshop Forum, Drives International Solar Data Synergy

Here's a detailed, expanded report based on the provided article, rephrased and elaborated in British English for a professional defence and space technology audience. I've structured it into short paragraphs without headings for seamless readability.

The ISRO–ESA Heliophysics Workshop has emerged as a pivotal platform for fostering global collaboration in solar research. Jointly organised by the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram, the event convened leading scientists, young researchers, and students from around the world at the scenic Kovalam venue.

This gathering underscores the growing synergy between India's space program and international partners in addressing critical heliophysics challenges.

Held from 22 January, the workshop emphasises joint analysis of solar data from three flagship missions: India's Aditya-L1, and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Solar Orbiter and Proba-3. IIST Vice-Chancellor Dr Dipankar Banerjee highlighted these efforts during a press conference, noting how complementary coronagraph observations from Indian and European spacecraft are unlocking novel scientific insights. Data products and analytical techniques emerging from the discussions will soon enter the public domain, democratising access to cutting-edge solar research.

Fully funded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the event prioritises capacity building, especially for emerging researchers. Approximately 230 participants, including nearly 40 international delegates, are engaged in the programme. The agenda features 34 invited lectures and around 100 poster presentations, blending expert discourse with hands-on contributions from the next generation.

Diverse attendees enrich the workshop's scope, encompassing students from premier Indian institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), IIST, and the Udaipur Solar Observatory. European students and Indian scholars studying overseas also participate, creating a truly global exchange. The daily structure includes morning plenary lectures followed by specialised technical sessions, many drawn from student-submitted abstracts.

Dr Banerjee stressed the workshop's role in empowering young scientists by offering them a stage to present before an international audience. Such exposure not only hones their skills but also bolsters their career prospects in top-tier research institutions worldwide. This aligns with ISRO's broader commitment to nurturing indigenous talent in space science.

ESA representatives voiced optimism for reciprocal initiatives, proposing similar workshops in Europe with Indian participation. They envisage these events enabling European students to gain from direct interactions, thereby deepening bilateral ties. Further collaborative programmes across varied scientific themes are anticipated in the years ahead, signalling a robust future partnership.

Discussions spotlighted artificial intelligence's transformative role in heliophysics, particularly for space-weather forecasting. Speakers underscored AI's prowess in rapidly processing and standardising vast datasets, essential for predicting solar events. This technological integration promises enhanced accuracy in modelling solar phenomena.

Media briefings delved into solar storms and solar winds, elucidating their disruptive potential on satellite communications and GPS systems. Experts explained how these phenomena ripple through Earth's near-space environment, affecting everything from power grids to aviation navigation. Timely forecasting, they argued, is vital for mitigating such risks.

India's enduring legacy in solar science received prominent mention. Historical observations from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, dating back to 1904, have been digitised, forming one of the world's longest continuous solar data archives. This treasure trove continues to underpin global sunspot number calculations, affirming India's foundational contributions.

Dr Banerjee affirmed that the ongoing dialogues between ISRO and ESA scientists are laying the groundwork for enduring collaborations in solar and space research. Amid rising geopolitical emphasis on space domain awareness, such partnerships enhance India's strategic positioning in heliophysics and beyond.

Based On UNI Report

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ISRO's Aditya-L1 Decodes How Solar Storms Impact Earth’s Magnetic Field

India's Aditya-L1 solar observatory mission has delivered ground breaking insights into the mechanics of solar storms and their profound effects on Earth's magnetic field. On 10 January 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that data from this pioneering spacecraft has illuminated the dynamics of a severe space weather event from October 2024.

This revelation stems from a comprehensive study published in The Astrophysical Journal in December 2025, spearheaded by ISRO scientists and research students.

Aditya-L1, India's inaugural dedicated solar observatory, occupies a strategic vantage point at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1 (L1), approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. Launched in September 2023, the mission boasts seven payloads designed to scrutinise the Sun's corona, chromosphere, and photosphere across multiple wavelengths.

These instruments captured high-fidelity observations of a massive solar plasma eruption, corroborated by data from international missions such as NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and the European Space Agency's Solar Orbiter.

The October 2024 event in question involved a coronal mass ejection (CME)—a colossal expulsion of solar plasma and embedded magnetic fields from the Sun's corona. Travelling at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/s, this CME barrelled towards Earth, triggering a geomagnetic storm of exceptional intensity. Aditya-L1's Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) and other sensors provided unprecedented real-time monitoring of the plasma's turbulent evolution en route.

Space weather, as defined by ISRO, encompasses the variable conditions in the near-Earth space environment driven by solar transients. These phenomena pose tangible risks to modern infrastructure, including satellite operations, global communication networks, GPS navigation systems, and terrestrial power grids. A single severe solar storm can induce geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) capable of overloading transformers and precipitating widespread blackouts.

The study's core findings centre on the solar storm's turbulent region, a chaotic plasma structure within the CME. Upon colliding with Earth's magnetosphere—the planet's protective magnetic shield—this turbulence exerted unprecedented compressive forces. ISRO reports that the magnetopause, the outermost boundary of the magnetosphere, was compressed to an unusually low altitude, dipping perilously close to Earth's surface.

This compression exposed geostationary satellites, orbiting at 36,000 km altitude, to the unfiltered onslaught of solar wind and cosmic rays. Ordinarily buffered by the magnetosphere, these assets faced heightened radiation doses and surface charging risks during the brief vulnerability window. Such episodes underscore the fragility of equatorial high-orbit spacecraft during extreme events, which occur infrequently but with devastating potential.

Further analysis revealed super-intensified electrojet currents in the auroral zones at high latitudes. These currents, driven by interactions between solar plasma and Earth's ionosphere, surged dramatically, generating Joule heating in the upper atmosphere. The resultant thermal expansion could elevate atmospheric drag on low-Earth orbit satellites and facilitate enhanced escape of ionospheric particles into space.

Aditya-L1's multi-instrument suite proved instrumental in decoding these processes. For instance, the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) imaged solar flares preceding the CME, while the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) measured in-situ plasma parameters. Integrating these with global datasets enabled a holistic reconstruction of the storm's propagation and impact.

The implications extend to India's burgeoning space economy, which includes over 100 operational satellites and ambitious constellations like the NavIC navigation system. ISRO emphasises that real-time space weather forecasting is now imperative to mitigate disruptions.

The mission's data has already refined predictive models, enhancing alerts for satellite operators and power utilities.

Globally, the findings bolster international efforts under frameworks like the International Space Weather Initiative. As solar activity peaks towards the 2025 maximum of Solar Cycle 25, Aditya-L1 positions India as a key contributor to space weather vigilance. Future studies from the mission promise deeper understanding of coronal heating, solar wind origins, and magnetic reconnection—phenomena pivotal to both scientific inquiry and hazard mitigation.

In essence, Aditya-L1's revelations affirm the mission's strategic value, transforming India into a frontline player in helio-physics. By unravelling the intricate dance between solar fury and Earth's defences, ISRO paves the way for resilient space infrastructure amid an era of intensifying solar threats.

Agencies

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India’s Space Sector Triumphs: A Comprehensive 2025 Year-End Review

India's space sector marked 2025 as a transformative year, with the Department of Space highlighting significant strides towards "Space Vision 2047". This period featured groundbreaking technology demonstrations, strengthened international partnerships, and innovative youth outreach initiatives. The Centre's year-end review underscores how these achievements propelled India's ambitions in space exploration and utilisation.

A pivotal milestone unfolded on 11 February, when the LVM3-M5 rocket lofted the CMS-03 communication satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit. This marked the heaviest communication satellite ever deployed from Indian soil, engineered as a multi-band platform to deliver services across vast oceanic expanses and the Indian landmass.

The mission also achieved a historic first: an in-space restart of the indigenous C25 cryogenic upper stage, enhancing mission flexibility for multi-orbit deployments.

On 30 July, the joint NASA-ISRO NISAR mission blasted off aboard the GSLV-F16, heralding a new era in Indo-US collaboration. As the world's first dual-frequency radar satellite—employing L-band and S-band—it scans Earth's surface for minute changes in ice sheets, forests, soil moisture, and disaster zones. Delivering all-weather data every 12 days, NISAR promises invaluable insights for global environmental monitoring.

Human spaceflight advanced dramatically with the Axiom-4 mission, which ferried Gaganyaatri Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station. As the first Indian to reside and operate there, Shukla's 18-day sojourn encompassed seven microgravity experiments from Indian institutions. These probed muscle regeneration, algal growth, crop cultivation, microbial behaviour, and human performance in space, yielding critical data for future missions.

Shubhanshu Shukla's feat earned him recognition as THE WEEK's Man of the Year, symbolising the inspiring arc from Lucknow to the cosmos. His contributions not only advanced scientific knowledge but also ignited national pride in human space endeavours.

Astronomical breakthroughs added to the year's triumphs, with PRL/ISRO scientists discovering the sub-Saturn exoplanet TOI-6038A b via the PARAS-2 spectrograph at Mount Abu. This find bolsters India's exoplanet research and deepens understanding of planetary systems beyond our solar system.

ISRO notched practical successes on terrestrial fronts too. The agency executed the inaugural Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan crew module parachute system, a vital step towards crewed orbital flights. Complementing this, the HOPE space-analogue mission in Ladakh's Tso Kar Valley simulated Mars-like conditions, honing protocols for planetary exploration.

Satellite imagery proved its worth in agriculture, with ISRO estimating wheat production across eight major states at 122.724 million tonnes. The derived sown area aligned closely with Ministry of Agriculture statistics, affirming the reliability of space-based crop assessment.

Indigenisation efforts bore fruit with the development of India's first fully "Make-in-India" 32-bit space-grade microprocessors: VIKRAM3201 and KALPANA3201. Handed over on 5 March for integration into launch vehicles and spacecraft, these processors signal self-reliance in critical electronics.

Propulsion technology matured as well, with a 1,000-hour life test of the Stationary Plasma Thruster (EPS) completed on 27 March. This qualification paves the way for electric propulsion in future communication satellites, slashing fuel needs and extending operational lifespans.

ISRO assumed global leadership by chairing the "International Charter Space and Major Disasters" for six months. Coordinating satellite resources worldwide, the agency bolstered disaster response efforts, exemplifying space's humanitarian role.

The year opened strongly with the GSLV-F15 launch of the NVS-02 navigation satellite on 29 January, augmenting the NavIC constellation despite a post-launch valve anomaly preventing full operationalisation.

SpaDex emerged as a highlight, demonstrating rendezvous and docking technologies essential for future space stations. Meanwhile, the GSLV-F15 mission celebrated ISRO's 100th launch, a testament to decades of reliability.

POEM-4's 1,000 orbits in March hosted the CROPS-1 plant growth experiment aboard the PSLV's fourth stage. Repurposed as an orbital laboratory, it tested robotics, biology, propulsion, and in-orbit AI, fostering low-cost experimentation.

Key 2025 Milestones	Date	Highlights
GSLV-F15 / NVS-02	29 Jan	NavIC augmentation; ISRO’s 100th launch
LVM3-M5 / CMS-03	11 Feb	Heaviest GTO comm sat; C25 restart
VIKRAM3201 & KALPANA3201	5 Mar	Indigenous 32-bit space processors
POEM-4 / CROPS-1	Mar	1,000 orbits; bio-robotics-AI tests
EPS 1,000-hr test	27 Mar	Electric propulsion qualified
Axiom-4/Shubhanshu Shukla	Jun-Jul	First Indian ISS stay; 7 experiments
NISAR (GSLV-F16)	30 Jul	Dual-band SAR Earth observer
TOI-6038A b discovery	2025	Sub-Saturn exoplanet via PARAS-2

These accomplishments reflect India’s ascent as a space power, blending "Make in India" innovation with global collaboration. As 2025 closes, the sector eyes Gaganyaan, lunar ambitions, and sustained leadership.

IDN (With Inputs From PIB)

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ISRO's Aditya-L1 Stuns Global Scientists: Ahmedabad Payload Confirms 40-Year-Old Solar Theory

India's Aditya-L1 mission, positioned at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), has captivated scientists globally by furnishing the first experimental validation of a 40-year-old theory on solar particle distribution.

Launched by ISRO, the spacecraft observes solar activity from a vantage point 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, delivering real-time data that challenges long-held assumptions.

For decades, researchers posited that medium-energy particles from the Sun arrive in space uniformly from all directions during quiet solar phases. This notion, rooted in the Parker Transport Equation—a mathematical model describing high-energy particle propagation—lacked empirical proof until Aditya-L1's observations confirmed it unequivocally.

A pivotal contribution came from the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload, meticulously developed by the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad. ASPEX meticulously measures the energy, velocity, temperature, and density of solar wind particles, distinguishing two primary types: ultra-fast particles travelling at speeds 300 to 400 times that of a bullet, capable of piercing the Sun's magnetic barriers, and slower variants that transport magnetic fields.

Aditya-L1's suite comprises seven sophisticated payloads, each targeting distinct solar phenomena. The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), crafted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in Bengaluru, probes the solar corona and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in visible wavelengths, capturing unprecedented images near the Sun's surface.

Complementing this, the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), engineered at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune, images the photosphere and chromosphere across 11 ultraviolet filters, revealing solar flares originating perilously close to the surface alongside coronal temperature surges.

Other instruments include the Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS) and High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS) for X-ray flare monitoring, the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) paired with Particle Analysis Package A (PAPA) for solar wind analysis, and a magnetometer gauging interplanetary magnetic fields at L1.

These observations hold profound implications for space weather forecasting. Solar winds and CMEs—expulsions of hot plasma and magnetic energy from the Sun's corona—can perturb Earth's magnetosphere, jeopardising satellites, GPS, communication networks, and power grids during geomagnetic storms.

Aditya-L1's L1 perch enables continuous, uninterrupted solar monitoring, providing advance warnings of eruptions that might otherwise catch humanity unawares. India's real-time data access marks a milestone, empowering pre-emptive safeguards against disruptions that could halt modern infrastructure.

The mission's data resonates internationally, with ASPEX datasets emerging as the most downloaded on ISRO's portal. Freely accessible metrics on solar wind velocity, density, and temperature have democratised research, fostering global collaborations in heliophysics.

Aditya-L1 reached L1 on 6 January 2024, heralding an era of observatory-grade solar scrutiny. Described as a orbiting laboratory, it deciphers flare origins, solar wind composition, and geomagnetic ripple effects, bolstering astronaut safety and satellite resilience amid rising space endeavours.

During quiescent solar intervals, ASPEX data affirmed isotropic arrival of medium-energy particles, a cornerstone for modelling high-energy particle acceleration that threatens orbital assets. Ongoing analyses probe deviations during flares and CMEs, refining predictive models.

PRL's expertise underscores India's indigenisation drive in space instrumentation. Dr Divyendu Chakraborty of PRL highlighted how ASPEX delineates particle behaviours, enabling precise forecasts of their terrestrial impacts.

The spacecraft's design anticipates a minimum five-year lifespan, extendable based on propellant reserves and subsystem integrity. Upon conclusion, ISRO plans to manoeuvre it sunward for controlled demise, minimising orbital debris risks.

Looking ahead, PRL contributes to the Venus Orbiter Mission slated for 2028, supplying an instrument to scrutinise energetic particles influencing Venusian atmospheres. Participation extends to forthcoming Chandrayaan voyages, exoplanet hunts, and astronomical surveys.

The DISHA mission, targeted for 2028, will deploy dual satellites to assess solar influences on Earth's upper atmosphere. Synergising DISHA with Aditya-L1 data promises enhanced space weather prognostication, safeguarding aviation, telecommunications, and energy sectors.

This breakthrough not only vindicates theoretical helio-physics but elevates India's stature in global space science. Aditya-L1 exemplifies how targeted payloads and strategic positioning yield transformative insights, paving the way for resilient spacefaring in an era of intensifying solar scrutiny.

Agencies

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India's Aditya-L1 Joins Global Effort To Study Solar Storm: ISRO

India’s first solar observatory, Aditya-L1, has made a significant contribution to the global scientific effort to understand solar storms, particularly an unusually powerful event that struck Earth in May 2024.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Tuesday that Aditya-L1 joined forces with six US satellites, including NASA’s Wind satellite, enabling researchers to study the solar storm from multiple vantage points simultaneously in space.

This cooperative approach with international missions enhanced the precision and breadth of data available for analysis.

The solar storm in question, now named "Gannon’s storm," was the strongest to hit Earth in more than two decades. It severely disturbed Earth’s magnetic environment, impacting satellites, communication systems, GPS, and even power grids.

The storm originated from a series of massive explosions on the Sun, technically known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These CMEs consist of gigantic bubbles of hot gas and magnetic energy expelled into space, which can disrupt Earth’s protective magnetic shield when they collide with it.

The recently published study by a team of Indian scientists, featured in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, provides fresh insight into why this storm behaved so unusually. Normally, a CME carries what scientists describe as a twisted “magnetic rope” that interacts with Earth’s magnetic shield.

However, during this event, two CMEs collided in space and exerted tremendous pressure on each other. This compression caused the magnetic field lines inside one CME to snap and then reconnect in new configurations in a process known as magnetic reconnection.

This magnetic reconnection was pivotal because it caused a sudden reversal in the storm’s magnetic field, intensifying the storm’s impact far beyond previous expectations. The presence of this phenomenon was corroborated by satellite observations, which detected particles accelerating dramatically, a clear signature of energy increases due to reconnection.

Aditya-L1’s key contribution was in providing extremely precise measurements of the magnetic field, allowing scientists to map the reconnection region in unprecedented detail.

The area where the CME’s magnetic field was tearing and reconnecting was colossal—about 1.3 million kilometres across, roughly 100 times the diameter of Earth. This is the first time such a large-scale magnetic breakup and re-joining has been observed inside a CME, marking a breakthrough in solar storm research.

This discovery has important implications for understanding how solar storms evolve as they travel from the Sun to Earth, shedding light on the dynamic and complex interactions involved. It also demonstrates India’s expanding leadership in global space science, highlighting the critical role played by Aditya-L1 in advancing knowledge and predictive capabilities regarding powerful solar storms.

Launched in September 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first space-based mission dedicated to studying the Sun.

Its success in this collaborative scientific endeavour marks a notable milestone for both ISRO and the global space science community, strengthening India’s position in monitoring and forecasting space weather phenomena that have direct impacts on modern technological infrastructure on Earth.

Based On PTI Report

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PRL’s 1.2‑Metre Mount Abu Telescope Captures Observations of Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS

The scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) observed the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS currently on its way out of the inner Solar system after perihelion passage. Observations were carried out in imaging and spectroscopic (analysis of the constituent wavelengths of the light emitted) modes with PRL’s 1.2m telescope.

The images show a near-circular coma. The coma of a comet is the large, glowing atmosphere of gas and dust that forms around its nucleus as it gets closer to the Sun. 

It is created when the Sun's heat causes the frozen ices on the nucleus to vaporize, or "sublimate," releasing gas and dust that form a large, diffuse cloud. In the present observing geometry, the dust tail, if present, would be pointing away from the Sun behind the comet as seen from the Earth, while deep wide field multiband images may show the ion tail.

Apart from imaging, scientists also acquired a spectrum of the light from the comet, before the start of morning twilight. The result shows prominent emission features commonly seen in Solar system comets - the CN, C2 and C3 bands in the shorter wavelength side of the spectrum.

In the terminology of comet, the rate of release (or sublimation) of gas from the nucleus into the coma is referred to as the ‘production rate’, which is a measure of the comet's activity level. The production rate varies significantly throughout the comet's orbit and is driven by factors like distance from the sun and the comet's internal composition.

In case of 3I/ATLAS, the production rates for the prominent bands (emissions pertaining to the constituent molecules) were computed with limiting values around 1025 molecules/sec. The production rate ratios seem to place this comet in the class of ‘typical comets’ of the solar system. Further observations will be continued as the comet gradually comes into the darker part of the night.

The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) 1.2 m telescope at Mount Abu, located at an altitude of 1680 m near Gurushikhar, is a ground-based observatory that is used for astronomical research, including exoplanet hunting, high-energy phenomena, and solar system studies. These observations were made during November 12-15, 2025.

ISRO News

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Aditya-L1 Captures Unprecedented Spectroscopic View of Solar Eruptions Near The Sun

India’s Aditya-L1 mission, the nation’s first dedicated solar observatory, has delivered breakthrough data on the Sun’s violent activity. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bangalore, in collaboration with NASA, have made the first-ever spectroscopic observations of a coronal mass ejection (CME) in the visible wavelength range, using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) aboard Aditya-L1.

Launched in 2023 aboard a PSLV-C57 rocket from Sriharikota, Aditya-L1 is positioned at the Sun–Earth Lagrangian Point L1, about 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. This vantage point enables continuous, uninterrupted observation of the Sun — a critical advantage for studying solar phenomena that affect space weather and Earth's magnetosphere.

The VELC payload, developed by IIA, has been at the forefront of this effort. For the first time, scientists have observed a CME extremely close to the Sun’s visible surface, offering a new window into the processes driving these massive expulsions of solar plasma and magnetic fields.

The research team led by Dr. V. Muthupriyal, the VELC Project Scientist, and her colleagues at the IIA payload operations centre, used VELC data to measure key properties of a CME. The parameters included electron density, energy, mass, temperature, and velocity — all taken at a proximity to the Sun that has never before been achieved in visible-light spectroscopic studies.

According to their findings, the CME contained approximately 370 million electrons per cubic centimetre, compared to only 10 to 100 million electrons per cubic centimetre in the surrounding non-CME corona. The CME’s energy output was calculated at 9.4 × 10²¹ joules, dramatically exceeding the explosive power of nuclear detonations used during World War II.

The team further estimated that the mass of the CME was around 270 million tonnes, nearly 180 times greater than the iceberg that sank the Titanic. The CME’s initial velocity was recorded at 264 kilometres per second, and its temperature reached 1.8 million Kelvin, indicating the immense thermal and kinetic energy driving the solar outburst.

Prof. R. Ramesh, Senior Professor at IIA and principal investigator of the VELC project, emphasised that these are the closest spectroscopic measurements of a CME near the Sun obtained using a space-based coronagraph operating in visible light. He noted that while other telescopes can observe CMEs at greater distances, VELC’s near-Sun capability provides a direct understanding of how much mass and energy the Sun loses during such events.

The new data addresses critical questions about solar dynamics, plasma acceleration, and the early-stage evolution of CMEs — phenomena that can affect not only the Sun’s atmosphere but also the near-Earth space environment. By determining these parameters near the Sun’s surface, scientists can refine models predicting how CMEs propagate through interplanetary space and influence geomagnetic storms on Earth.

With the Sun approaching the peak of its current Solar Cycle 25, more frequent and energetic solar eruptions are expected in the coming months. The VELC, now fully operational and stable, is poised to record many such events, greatly enhancing understanding of solar activity and its implications for space weather forecasting.

Aditya-L1’s steady observations at the L1 point will allow continuous monitoring of these eruptions, enabling both Indian and international researchers to study the Sun’s dynamic corona with unprecedented detail. The mission marks a significant leap for India’s space science capabilities and strengthens global collaboration in the study of our nearest star.

Agencies

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Chandrayaan-2 Makes First Ever Observation of Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejections’ Effects On The Moon

Artistic rendition of the CME hurled by the Sun towards the Moon

In a significant achievement for lunar science, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that its Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter has made the world’s first recorded observation of how solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) affect the Moon.

The discovery marks a major stride in understanding how solar activity influences the Moon’s extremely tenuous atmosphere, known as the lunar exosphere, and could reshape the way scientists model space weather interactions on airless celestial bodies.

The breakthrough was made possible through the orbiter’s scientific instrument, Chandra’s Atmospheric Compositional Explorer-2 (CHACE-2). Positioned aboard the Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft since its launch on 22 July 2019 onboard the GSLV MK-III-M1 rocket from Sriharikota, CHACE-2 recorded critical data during a rare solar event that occurred on 10 May 2024. A sequence of CMEs reached the Moon at that time, causing unprecedented disturbances in the lunar exosphere.

According to the Bangalore-based space agency, the CHACE-2 payload detected a significant rise in the total surface pressure of the Moon’s dayside exosphere. The number density of neutral atoms and 

molecules increased by more than an order of magnitude during this event.

This empirical measurement validated long-standing theoretical models predicting that CMEs could substantially alter the composition and density of the lunar exosphere.

The Moon’s exosphere, a surface boundary layer consisting of sparse atoms and molecules, is extraordinarily sensitive to changes in solar activity. Without a global magnetic field to buffer it from charged particles and radiation, the Moon is directly exposed to solar winds and CME impacts.

During the May 2024 event, ISRO scientists observed that the intense solar particle stream temporarily enhanced the ejection of atoms from the lunar surface, significantly influencing atmospheric variability.

These findings have profound implications not only for lunar science but also for future exploration and habitation plans. Understanding the dynamics of the lunar exosphere under varying solar conditions is vital for designing equipment, habitats, and life-support systems capable of withstanding space weather fluctuations. It will also contribute to developing more accurate predictive models for other airless bodies across the solar system.

Although communication with the Vikram lander was lost during its descent attempt on 7 September 2019, the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter continues to operate flawlessly in its stable 100 x 100 km lunar orbit, providing valuable data years after launch. Its extended mission life has enabled sustained observations of the lunar environment under different solar conditions, culminating in this landmark discovery.

ISRO’s study, entitled “Impact of a Coronal Mass Ejection on the Lunar Exosphere as Observed by CHACE-2 on the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter”, was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on 16 August 2025. The results establish ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2 as a crucial platform for understanding the complex interactions between solar phenomena and the lunar environment, reinforcing India’s leading role in planetary and space science research.

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From Rockets On Bicycles To Chandrayaan Missions, India Has Come A Long Way: ISRO Chairman

India has made remarkable strides in the space sector, evolving from its humble beginnings of transporting rocket parts on bicycles and satellites on bullock carts to becoming a global leader in space exploration. Speaking at the 27th convocation of IIM Kozhikode, ISRO Chairman Dr. V Narayanan highlighted the nation’s achievements, including its successful Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter missions, which have set multiple world records.

India's journey began with the launch of its first satellite, Aryabhata, on a Soviet rocket. Today, the country has 131 satellites in orbit and has launched 433 satellites for 34 countries. It marked its 100th successful launch on January 29, 2025. Notably, India was the first to discover water molecules on the Moon through Chandrayaan-1 and achieved a historic soft landing on the Moon's south pole with Chandrayaan-3, a feat no other nation has accomplished.

Dr. Narayanan also emphasized India’s advancements in cryogenic technology. Despite being denied access to cryogenic engine technology in the 1990s, India developed three cryogenic engines, becoming one of only six countries to do so. The nation set three world records: completing engine testing to flight stage in just 28 months (compared to the global average of 42 months) and conducting rocket propulsion system testing in only 34 days.

India is now among four nations with a satellite studying the Sun and is preparing for the Chandrayaan-5 mission in collaboration with Japan. Dr. Narayanan remarked that these achievements underscore India's transition from an era of bicycles and bullock carts to being a leader in space technology.

Agencies

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India Will Be A Major Player In 21st Century’s Space Exploration: Union Minister Jitendra Singh

Minister of State for Science and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has expressed confidence that India will emerge as a major player in space exploration in the 21st century.

This assertion is supported by India's recent achievements in space technology, including the successful soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission near the lunar south pole, making India the first nation to achieve this feat and the fourth to land on the Moon.

Additionally, ISRO has successfully launched its first solar probe, Aditya-L1, and completed a historic spacecraft docking experiment known as SpaDeX, marking India as the fourth country to achieve space docking.

India's space program is expanding rapidly, with plans for ambitious missions such as the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and the establishment of a space station, known as the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2035.

The space sector has also seen significant growth, with India launching over 400 foreign satellites in the past decade, generating substantial revenue.

The government has further opened up the space industry to private participation through initiatives like the Indian Space Association (ISpA), fostering a collaborative environment between public and private entities.

Dr. Singh's optimism about India's role in space exploration is also driven by the country's strategic response to global developments, particularly China's advancements in space technology.

As India continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and missions, it is poised to become a leading force in global space exploration, leveraging its capabilities not only for national development but also for international collaboration and innovation.

IANS

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Historic First: India’s Solar Ultra-Violet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) Onboard Aditya-L1 Captures Unprecedented Solar Flare Details

Illustration (Left) of Lagrange points of Sun-Earth system and location of Aditya-L1

Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated space based solar mission, has made a ground-breaking observation from its scientific payloads- capturing the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower solar atmosphere, namely the photosphere and the chromosphere, in the images recorded in the Near Ultra-violet (NUV) band. This observation and associated scientific results marks a major step in understanding the Sun’s explosive activity and its impact on Earth.

Aditya-L1 mission was launched on September 2, 2023 by ISRO PSLV C-57 rocket. On January 6, 2024 the spacecraft was successfully placed in a large halo orbit around first Earth-Sun Lagrange Point known as Lagrange Point L1. The L1 point is 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth towards the Sun. The special vantage point L1 allows the spacecraft to continuously observe various solar activities without any eclipse and occultation’s. Its advanced instruments, including Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), and High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS), work together to detect and analyse solar flares from Near Ultra-violet (NUV) wavelength to soft and hard X-rays.

Figure: Observation of the flare as obtained from various SUIT filters.

SUIT payload is developed by Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in close collaborations with various ISRO Centres. SoLEXS and HEL1OS payloads are developed by U Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru. SUIT can capture high-resolution images in 11 different waveband in NUV of the full solar disk or a specific region on the solar disk of scientific interest depending upon the scientific requirements. As different radiations of different wavelength leave the solar atmosphere from different height/layers, it allows scientists to study multiple layers of the Sun’s atmosphere to study their coupling and dynamics.

SoLEXS and HEL1OS instruments monitor solar X-ray emissions, which help detecting the solar flare activity. This collaborative approach and joint data analysis from different instruments of Aditya-L1, gives scientists a complete picture of how solar energy moves through different layers of the Sun.

What Is A Solar flare?

A solar flare is a sudden and intense burst of solar energy from the Solar atmosphere. The phenomena is caused by Sun’s magnetic field. The magnetic field of the Sun is very dynamic in nature. Sometime they suddenly snap and release intense burst of energy – like a powerful, short flash. The energy is released in the form of light/radiation and high energy charged particles.

How Aditya-L1 Study The Solar Flares?

During solar flare (as well as before the occurrence of solar flare) that particular region of the Sun generating flare becomes brighter in UV and X-ray. Aditya-L1 instruments such as SUIT, SoLEXS and HEL1OS can study these brightening and associated flash of radiation in greater details. This provides a detail picture of various phenomena related to Solar flares. It is to be noted that atmosphere of the Earth blocks these harmful radiations from the Sun to reach to the ground. Therefore, such study can be only made from space.

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125 Spacecraft Missions, 92 Launches: ISRO's Walk On The Moon And Beyond

India's first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched by Soviet Union's Kosmos-3M Rocket

ISRO--the government agency working to harvest the benefits of space exploration for India--is the state--run space agency of India.

It has been playing a stellar role in the field of space exploration to harvest the benefits of outer space for the country and mankind in general.

ISRO was previously known as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was established by the government in 1962, as envisioned by Vikram Sarabhai. ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969, and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology.

The Department of Space (DOS) was subsequently set up, and ISRO was brought under DOS in 1972. The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development and application of space technology for various national needs. To fulfil this objective, ISRO has established major space systems for communication, television broadcasting, meteorological services, resources monitoring and management, and space-based navigation services. ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required orbits.

Alongside its technological advancement, ISRO contributes to science and science education in the country. Various dedicated research centres and autonomous institutions for remote sensing, astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences, and space sciences in general function under the aegis of the Department of Space.

ISRO's own lunar and interplanetary missions along with other scientific projects encourage and promote science education, apart from providing valuable data to the scientific community, which in turn enriches science. ISRO has its headquarters in Bengaluru. Its activities are spread across various centers and units.

Launch vehicles are built at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram. Satellites are designed and developed at UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru. Integration and launching of satellites and launch vehicles are carried out from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.

The development of liquid stages, including the cryogenic stage, is carried out at Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Valiamala and Bengaluru. Sensors for Communication and Remote Sensing satellites and application aspects of space technology are taken up at Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad. Remote Sensing satellite data reception, processing, and dissemination are entrusted to National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad. The activities of ISRO are guided by its Chairman, who also serves as the Secretary of DOS and Chairman of the Space Commission – the apex body that formulates the policies and oversees the implementation of the Indian Space Programme.

ISRO built India's first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched by the Soviet space agency Interkosmos in 1980. It launched the satellite RS-1 onboard the indigenously built launch vehicle SLV-3, making India the seventh country to undertake orbital launches.

It has subsequently developed various small-lift and medium-lift launch vehicles, enabling the agency to launch various satellites and deep space missions. It is one of the six government space agencies in the world that possess full launch capabilities with the ability to deploy cryogenic engines, launch extra-terrestrial missions, and artificial satellites.

It is also one of only four governmental space agencies to have demonstrated unmanned soft landing capabilities. ISRO became the toast of the nation in 2023 when the Chandrayaan 3 mission succeeded in soft landing a rover in the hitherto unexplored south pole of the moon.

ISRO has so far carried out 125 spacecraft missions and 92 launch missions. Future missions planned by it include the crewed Gaganyaan mission and the interplanetary missions Chandrayaan-4, Shukrayaan, and Mangalyaan-2 (MOM 2), and to set up a space station of its own.

Tribune News Service

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