An essential part of the Aditya-L1 mission, which studies the Interplanetary Magnetic Field and the Sun’s chromosphere and corona, is the Magnetometer Boom.

The 6-meter-long magnetometer Boom of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft has been successfully deployed at Lagrange Point-1 in space.

On January 11, 2024, 132 days after the spacecraft’s launch, the satellite was deployed when it was positioned in a halo orbit near the Lagrange point L-1.

An essential part of the Aditya-L1 mission, which studies the interplanetary magnetic field and the Sun’s chromosphere and corona, is the magnetometer boom.

Two sophisticated fluxgate magnetometer sensors, which are critical for determining the low-intensity magnetic fields in orbit, are carried by the boom. To reduce interference from the spacecraft’s own magnetic field, these sensors are positioned 3 and 6 meters apart from the main body of the vessel.

By using two sensors, it is possible to estimate this influence more precisely and to reduce the impact of any magnetic effects that may have come from the spaceship. The carbon fiber-reinforced polymer boom segments serve as interfaces for installing sensors and hold the components of the mechanism required for deployment.

A five-segment articulated mechanism connected by spring-driven hinge mechanisms is a feature of the boom’s design.

This enables the boom’s accordion-like folding and deployment, which is managed via a closed control loop technology patented by Kevlar. The hinges lock the segments into their functional configuration when they are deployed.

Two hold-downs maintained the boom firmly in position during the launch phase, transferring the launch loads to the spacecraft body. A thermal cutter-based release system was commanded to begin deployment.

The boom’s initial motion, the hold-downs’ successful release, and the latching of every hinge were all verified by telemetry data. Remarkably, the in-orbit deployment duration was measured at about 9 seconds, which is within the 8–12 second range that was anticipated. A faultless deployment procedure was indicated by all telemetry signals for hold-down release and hinge locking being recorded as being within nominal parameters.

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