Magnetometer Boom Successfully Deployed on Aditya-L1 in Halo Orbit

The Aditya-L1 satellite’s 6-meter magnetometer boom, which had been in a stowed condition for 132 days since its launch, was successfully deployed on January 11, 2024, in the Halo orbit at Lagrange point L-1. Equipped with two advanced fluxgate magnetometer sensors, the boom measures the low-intensity interplanetary magnetic field in space. These sensors, positioned at 3 and 6 meters from the spacecraft body, aim to minimize the impact of the spacecraft-generated magnetic field on measurements. The dual-sensor system helps in precise estimation and cancellation of the spacecraft’s magnetic influence.

Constructed from carbon fiber reinforced polymer, the boom segments act as interfaces for sensor mounting and mechanism elements. The articulated boom mechanism consists of 5 segments interconnected through spring-driven hinge mechanisms, allowing for folding and deploying actions. The deployment process occurs accordion-style, controlled by a patented Kevlar closed control loop mechanism, with hinges securing the segments in the deployed configuration.

In the stowed condition, the boom is held securely by two hold-downs, transferring launch loads to the spacecraft body. A thermal cutter-based release system is utilized to execute the boom deployment. Telemetry data received indicates the successful hold-down release, first motion, and locking of all hinges. The observed in-orbit deployment time of approximately 9 seconds aligns well with the predicted range of 8 to 12 seconds, with all telemetry indications falling within nominal parameters.