India’s space-based solar observatory, Aditya-L1, has initiated the collection of scientific data as it progresses towards its mission to observe the Sun. The sensors of the Supra Thermal & Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) instrument, a part of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload, have started gathering scientific data, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Developed by the Physical Research Laboratory with support from the Space Application Centre in Ahmedabad, the STEPS instrument is now measuring supra-thermal and energetic ions and electrons at distances exceeding 50,000 km from Earth, helping scientists analyze particle behavior in Earth’s magnetosphere. STEPS consists of six sensors, each measuring particles in different directions and within specific energy ranges. This data will continue to be collected as Aditya-L1 moves towards its intended orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point.