Image Source India Today
ISRO In February 2022, a significant event unfolded in the skies above Earth when over 35 Starlink satellites began a rapid descent back to the planet’s surface. This unexpected occurrence was attributed to a powerful geomagnetic storm, emanating from the Sun, that struck the satellites just days after their launch. This event underscored the critical vulnerability of satellites to solar activity, prompting heightened vigilance among space agencies worldwide.
Fast forward to May 8 and 9 of the same year, when one of the most intense solar storms in over two decades swept across Earth. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), responsible for a fleet of over 50 operational satellites orbiting the planet, was on high alert.
The Solar Storm Threat
Solar storms, driven by disturbances on the Sun such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), release immense amounts of energy and charged particles into space. When these particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field, they can trigger geomagnetic storms, which pose significant risks to satellite operations, power grids, GPS systems, and even human health due to increased radiation exposure.
ISRO’s Preparedness and Response
ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF), situated in Karnataka’s Hassan and Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal, became the nerve center for monitoring and safeguarding the agency’s satellite assets. The MCF team closely monitored spacecraft behavior, tracking subtle changes that signaled the approaching storm’s impact.
As the solar storm approached, ISRO’s proactive measures came into play. The team swiftly deactivated certain sensors and adjusted spacecraft orientations to mitigate potential damage. Notably, satellites with one-sided solar panels experienced notable changes in momentum wheel speeds and electrical currents, necessitating precise adjustments to maintain operational stability.
Unwavering Satellite Operations
Despite the storm’s intensity, ISRO’s network of 30 geostationary satellites continued their mission without disruption. Earth observation satellites, crucial for monitoring the planet’s health and environment, operated flawlessly throughout the solar event, thanks to ISRO’s meticulous planning and response strategies.
Mitigating Potential Risks
Heightened atmospheric density, a consequence of the solar storm, could have accelerated satellite descent rates. However, ISRO’s vigilant monitoring and intervention strategies ensured that critical satellite systems remained functional and secure.
ISRO’s swift and effective response during the unprecedented solar storm exemplifies the agency’s commitment to safeguarding India’s space assets. The successful navigation through this challenging event underscores the importance of continuous vigilance and preparedness in the face of unpredictable space weather, ensuring the resilience of satellite operations and space infrastructure.
India’s Space Missions Capture Unprecedented Solar Storm Data
Image Source India Today
India’s space exploration endeavors have once again demonstrated their prowess as Chandrayaan-2 and Aditya-L1 played integral roles in observing and recording data from one of the most powerful solar eruptions to impact Earth in nearly two decades.
Chandrayaan-2’s Solar Observations
Chandrayaan-2, launched on July 22, 2019, consists of an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan). While the lander’s communication was lost during its descent to the Moon’s surface, the orbiter remains operational and continues to contribute valuable scientific insights.
Recently, the orbiter’s Solar X-ray Monitor (XSM) instrument detected a dramatic spike in X-ray intensity during the peak of a solar storm. This surge in X-ray flux far surpassed the detection limits of Earth-based instruments like GOES-15, highlighting the XSM’s sensitivity and capability to provide high-resolution solar data.
Aditya-L1’s Solar Observations
India’s Aditya-L1, stationed at the Sun-Earth Lagrange point 1, complemented Chandrayaan-2’s observations by capturing signatures of the same powerful solar storm. The Solar Wind Ion Spectrometer on Aditya-L1 recorded enhanced alpha particles and protons in the solar wind, offering valuable insights into the solar storm’s characteristics.
Multi-Point Perspective on Solar Activity
The coordinated efforts of Chandrayaan-2 and Aditya-L1 have provided an unprecedented multi-point perspective on the Sun’s dynamic behavior. This collaborative approach advances our understanding of space weather phenomena and their potential impacts on Earth and future deep space missions.
India’s Growing Capabilities in Space Exploration
India’s successful capture of solar storm data underscores the country’s growing capabilities in space exploration and solar monitoring. Despite challenges encountered during its lunar mission, Chandrayaan-2 continues to excel in scientific research, while Aditya-L1 expands India’s solar observation capabilities from a strategic vantage point.
India’s space agencies have demonstrated remarkable achievements by leveraging their spacecraft to capture critical data during extreme solar events. These observations not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also enhance our ability to forecast and mitigate potential impacts of space weather on satellites, spacecraft, and future space missions. This success highlights India’s increasing role and impact in the global space exploration community.
