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What is Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya or PAPA Payload? – Current Status of PAPA Payload in 2024
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Introduction to the Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya or PAPA Payload UPSC
Welcome to PreCrack! Recently, ISRO’s Aditya-L1’s Plasma Analyser Package (PAPA) detected impacts of coronal mass ejections & PAPA Payload has showcased its effectiveness in solar weather monitoring.
This update is worth understanding about Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya Or PAPA Payload. If you are preparing for Major competitive exams in India, then you should also aware of these kind of updates. If you are willing to know about Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya or PAPA Payload, then in this blog, we will provide you all details about PAPA Payload.
So, let’s start-
Read Also | Complete Details about Aditya-L1 Mission UPSC
Why PAPA Payload is in the news? – PAPA Payload UPSC
ISRO’s Aditya-L1 satellite’s PAPA payload is making headlines for detecting the impact of solar storms called coronal mass ejections (CMEs). PAPA, short for Plasma Analyser Package, has special sensors that measure solar wind particles.
During February 10-11, 2024, it successfully identified the effects of CMEs. Active since December 2023, PAPA continuously observes space, showing its ability to analyze and detect solar phenomena. This highlights its crucial role in understanding and monitoring space weather conditions. The achievement underscores India’s progress in space research and the significance of PAPA in enhancing our knowledge of solar
Source – ISRO
What is Solar Storm or Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)? – Coronal Mass Ejection UPSC
A solar storm, also known as a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), is a massive release of solar wind and magnetic fields from the Sun’s corona. This burst of charged particles can have a significant impact on space weather and Earth’s magnetic field.
When the solar wind’s charged particles reach Earth, they can cause geomagnetic storms, potentially disrupting satellite operations, power grids, and communication systems. CMEs are triggered by solar flares or disruptions in the Sun’s magnetic field. Studying and detecting these events, as done by instruments like PAPA onboard Aditya-L1, is crucial for understanding and mitigating their potential impacts on technology and infrastructure.
What is Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) Payload?
The Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) is a payload onboard the Aditya-L1 satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). PAPA is designed for in-situ measurements of solar wind electrons and ions in the low energy range.
It consists of two key sensors:
- The Solar Wind Electron Energy Probe (SWEEP)
- The Solar Wind Ion Composition Analyser (SWICAR).
SWEEP measures electrons in the energy range of 10 eV to 3 keV, while SWICAR measures ions in the energy range of 10 eV to 25 keV with a mass range of 1-60 amu. PAPA is crucial for monitoring space weather conditions and analyzing solar phenomena.
Details about Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) Payload
We have added all key details about Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) Payload that you should be aware of as a Civil Service Aspirant.
About PAPA Payload
The Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA) is a payload on the Aditya-L1 satellite by ISRO. It includes sensors like Solar Wind Electron Energy Probe (SWEEP) and Solar Wind Ion Composition Analyser (SWICAR), measuring solar wind particles.
It is operational since December 2023 & PAPA detects and analyzes coronal mass ejections, demonstrating its significance in space research.
Purpose of PAPA Payload
These are the few purposes of PAPA Payload
- Solar Wind Analysis: PAPA measures solar wind electrons and ions.
- Coronal Mass Ejection Detection: Detects and analyzes the impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
- Space Weather Monitoring: Provides continuous observations to monitor and understand space weather conditions.
- Directional Measurement: Capable of measuring the direction of arrival of solar wind particles.
Importance of PAPA Payload
PAPA Payload helps in monitoring space weather, detecting and analyzing the impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), advancing understanding of solar phenomena, supporting space research, and predicting potential impacts on technology and infrastructure.
Benefits of PAPA Payload
These are a few key benefits of PAPA Payload
1. Space Weather Monitoring
The PAPA Payload actively monitors and analyzes real-time space weather conditions, providing valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the space environment.
2. CME Impact Detection
A crucial function of PAPA involves detecting and comprehensively studying the impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), enhancing our understanding of these solar phenomena and their potential effects on space.
3. Solar Phenomena Insights
PAPA Payload gathers and delivers essential data, contributing to a deeper understanding of solar wind particles and their behaviors, thereby advancing our knowledge of solar phenomena.
4. Space Research Advancements
By supporting ongoing space-related studies and exploration, PAPA plays a pivotal role in the continuous progress of scientific endeavors beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
5. Predictive Capabilities
PAPA’s data assists in predicting and mitigating potential disruptions to critical technologies such as satellite operations, power grids, and communication systems, thereby enhancing the resilience of space-based infrastructure.
Current Status of PAPA Payload
As of February 24, 2024, the PAPA payload on Aditya-L1 remains operational, showcasing nominal performance. Equipped with advanced sensors, PAPA has successfully detected the impact of recent coronal mass ejections, providing crucial insights into space weather conditions.
The continuous observations during the Halo Orbit Insertion phase and default mode affirm its effectiveness.
Latest news on PAPA Payload: Key Points to remember
These are the key points on the latest updates on PAPA Payload of Aditya L1 Satellite
- Operational Status: PAPA payload on Aditya-L1 is operational and performing nominally.
- CME Detection: Successfully detected the impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), notably during February 10-11, 2024.
- In-situ Measurements: PAPA is designed for in-situ measurements (On-Site Data Collection/measurements) of solar wind electrons and ions in the low energy range.
- Sensor Details: Equipped with two sensors – SWEEP for electrons (10 eV to 3 keV) and SWICAR for ions (10 eV to 25 keV, mass range 1-60 amu).
- Direction Measurement: Sensors capable of measuring the direction of arrival of solar wind particles.
- Operational Since: PAPA has been operational since December 12, 2023.
- Observation during HOI Phase: Provided insights during the Halo Orbit Insertion (HOI) phase, displaying changes in electron counts and energy spectra.
- Consistent Performance: Continuous observations in default mode affirming adherence to design specifications in all operational modes.
- Data Analysis: Data collected revealed occurrences of CME events on December 15, 2023, and during February 10-11, 2024.
- Developed by: PAPA payload developed by the Space Physics Laboratory and Avionics Entity of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)/ISRO.
Other Payloads of Aditya L1 satellite
Here is the all information about other Payloads of Aditya L1 Satellite-
1. Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT)
Function: Captures images of the Sun’s photosphere and chromosphere in the near-ultraviolet range, studying the Sun’s energy output and its impact on Earth’s atmosphere.
2. Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS)
Function: Measures the Sun’s soft X-ray emissions, providing insights into the Sun’s corona and solar flares.
3. High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS)
Function: Studies the Sun’s high-energy X-ray emissions, particularly during solar flares, understanding the processes heating the corona and accelerating particles.
4. Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX)
Function: Scheduled for deployment later in 2024, it will measure the composition, energy, and velocity of heavy ions (elements heavier than helium) in the solar wind, offering insights into the Sun’s atmosphere and its interaction with the interplanetary medium.
5. Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA)
Function: Measures the composition, energy, and velocity distribution of solar wind particles (electrons and ions) in the low energy range, understanding the solar wind properties and space weather.
6. Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers (ATHRDM)
Function: Measures the magnetic field in the vicinity of Aditya L1, understanding the Sun’s influence on the interplanetary magnetic field and its impact on Earth’s magnetosphere.
7. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC)
Function: Observes the Sun’s corona, focusing on studying coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their dynamics, using a technique called coronagraphy to block out the Sun’s bright light.
Difference between Spacecraft & Satellite
These are the key differences between Spacecraft & Satellite-
| Aspect | Spacecraft | Satellite |
| Definition | A general term for any manned or unmanned vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space. | A specific type of spacecraft that orbits a celestial body, often Earth, for various purposes. |
| Function | Can serve various purposes such as exploration, communication, observation, and scientific research. | Primarily designed for specific tasks like communication, Earth observation, weather monitoring, etc. |
| Mobility | May or may not be in orbit; can travel within space or explore celestial bodies. | Typically in orbit around a celestial body, stationary or moving in specific trajectories. |
| Examples | Space probes, space shuttles, interplanetary spacecraft. | Communication satellites, weather satellites, Earth observation satellites. |
| Human Presence | Can be manned or unmanned. | Can be unmanned (most common) or manned in some cases, like space stations. |
| Size | Varies widely in size and shape based on the mission requirements. | Generally smaller in size compared to a spacecraft, designed for specific payload needs. |
| Autonomy | Can operate autonomously or under human control. | Often designed to operate autonomously, performing tasks without continuous human intervention. |
10 Key Facts about PAPA Payload
These are the 10 key facts about the Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya or PAPA Payload-
| Fact | Description |
| Full Form | The Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya |
| Deployment | December 12, 2023 |
| Purpose | Measures the composition, energy, and velocity distribution of solar wind particles (electrons and ions) in the low energy range. |
| Sensors | Two key sensors: 1. Solar Wind Electron Energy Probe (SWEEP): Measures electrons in the energy range of 10 eV to 3 keV. 2. Solar Wind Ion Composition Analyser (SWICAR): Measures ions in the energy range of 10 eV to 25 keV and mass range of 1-60 amu. |
| Location | Aditya L1 spacecraft, stationed at the first Lagrangian point (L1) between Earth and the Sun. |
| Significance | Provides crucial data for: 1. Understanding solar wind properties such as Composition, temperature, and velocity distribution 2. Predicting space weather 3. Exploring solar corona |
| Unique Features | Simultaneous measurement of electrons and ions with high energy resolution. |
| Collaboration | Developed by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad. |
| Data Access | Data available through the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) website. |
| Early Findings | Successfully detected the impact of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) on the solar wind. |
FAQs on PAPA Payload – UPSC Questions on PAPA Payload
Question-1: What is the primary purpose of the PAPA payload on Aditya-L1?
Answer. The PAPA payload is designed for in-situ measurements of solar wind electrons and ions, particularly in the low energy range.
Question-2: When did PAPA become operational, and how has it been performing?
Answer. PAPA became operational on December 12, 2023, and it has been performing nominally as of February 22, 2024.
Question-3: What are the key sensors on the PAPA payload and their respective energy ranges?
Answer. PAPA includes the Solar Wind Electron Energy Probe (SWEEP) for electrons (10 eV to 3 keV) and the Solar Wind Ion Composition Analyser (SWICAR) for ions (10 eV to 25 keV, mass range of 1-60 amu).
Question-4: How does PAPA measure the direction of arrival of solar wind particles?
Answer. PAPA’s sensors are equipped to measure the direction of arrival of solar wind particles during its observations.
Question-5: What observations did PAPA make during the Halo Orbit Insertion (HOI) phase?
Answer. PAPA observed changes in electron counts and energy spectra during the HOI phase, revealing a drastic reduction in electron energy spectra due to changes in payload orientation.
Question-6: What did the data collected by PAPA reveal about Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) events?
Answer. PAPA’s data revealed the occurrence of CME events, notably on December 15, 2023, and during February 10-11, 2024.
Question-7: How did PAPA perform during the CME events, and what did it detect?
Answer. During CME events, PAPA detected abrupt increases in total electron and ion counts, aligning with solar wind parameters and magnetic field measurements.
Question-8: What is the significance of the energy-direction spectrogram shown in Figure 2?
Answer. The spectrogram in Figure 2 illustrates variations in ion energy spectra, indicating the dominance of protons and alpha particles in the solar wind, demonstrating SWICAR’s ability to identify individual ion masses.
Question-9: Are there any observable differences in electron and ion counts during CME events on December 15, 2023, and February 10-11, 2024?
Answer. Yes, PAPA observed differences in the time variations of electrons and ions during these CME events, with the latter showing variations from multiple minor events.
Question-10: How is PAPA currently operating, and what does it emphasize about its performance?
Answer. The SWEEP and SWICAR sensors on PAPA-Aditya-L1 are making continuous observations of solar wind particles in the default mode, affirming their adherence to design specifications and underlining PAPA’s effectiveness in monitoring space weather conditions.
