Aditya-L1 Spacecraft Achieves Milestone with Successful Deployment of Magnetometer Boom

Bengaluru: In a significant milestone, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, dedicated to solar studies, successfully deployed its 6-meter-long magnetometer boom in space at Lagrange Point-1 (L-1). This achievement, occurring 132 days post-launch, marks a crucial step in the mission’s objective to study the Sun’s chromosphere, corona, and interplanetary magnetic field.

The magnetometer boom, a key component of the Aditya-L1 mission, carries two advanced fluxgate magnetometer sensors designed to measure low-intensity magnetic fields in space. Positioned strategically at distances of 3 and 6 meters from the spacecraft’s main body, these sensors aim to minimize interference from the spacecraft’s own magnetic field. The utilization of dual sensors ensures a more precise estimation of this influence, effectively canceling out any magnetic effects originating from the spacecraft.

Crafted from carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, the boom features an articulated mechanism comprising five segments connected by spring-driven hinge mechanisms. This innovative design allows the boom to fold and deploy accordion-style, controlled by a patented Kevlar closed control loop mechanism. During deployment, the hinges securely lock the segments into their operational configuration.

The boom, securely held during the launch phase by two hold-downs transferring launch loads to the spacecraft body, initiated deployment by activating a thermal cutter-based release system upon command.

Telemetry data confirmed the flawless release of the hold-downs, initial motion of the boom, and secure locking of all hinges. Impressively, the in-orbit deployment time was recorded at approximately 9 seconds, well within the predicted range of 8 to 12 seconds. All telemetry indications for hinge locking and hold-down release reported nominal parameters, affirming the success of the deployment operation.