The Sun is not just a source of light and heat; it constantly releases charged particles known as solar wind. This solar wind flows outward in all directions, forming a protective bubble around our solar system called the heliosphere. The solar wind is usually steady, but sometimes it turns violent in the form of solar storms. A solar storm is a sudden burst of powerful energy and high-speed particles caused by solar flares or coronal mass ejections, which can damage satellites, disrupt power grids, interfere with communication systems, and even threaten astronauts in space.
To guard against such dangers, two special space missions will now work together: India’s Aditya-L1 and America’s brand-new IMAP probe, which launched on September 24, 2025. These missions are like twin sentinels watching over Earth, helping us understand and prepare for space weather.
India’s Aditya-L1, launched by ISRO on September 2, 2023, is the nation’s first mission to study the Sun. Instead of flying close to the Sun, it is positioned at a special location called L1, about 1.5 million kilometres from Earth. At this point, the gravity of Earth and the Sun balance each other, giving Aditya an uninterrupted view of our star around the clock. Aditya carries seven scientific instruments, much like a hospital’s diagnostic tools for a patient.
Its main camera blocks the Sun’s central glare to capture images of the glowing corona, the outermost layer visible during eclipses. Other instruments measure the speed and direction of solar wind, monitor ultraviolet radiation, and track magnetic fields around the Sun. Since it arrived at L1, Aditya has been sending back valuable data. In February 2025, ISRO released its second batch of discoveries. By March, Aditya had captured stunning images of solar flares, which are giant explosions on the Sun’s surface.
In August 2025, it began full-scale studies of solar particles, strengthening our ability to predict and prepare for solar storms. This work is not only for research but also for protecting daily life on Earth, since solar storms can cause blackouts and put astronauts at risk.
NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, or IMAP, plays a different but equally important role. Weighing 900 kilograms and carrying ten advanced instruments, IMAP focuses on what happens to the solar wind when it travels billions of miles and reaches the far edge of our solar system.
"Think of IMAP as a space detective that creates three-dimensional maps of how the heliosphere changes shape and strength. It studies high-energy particles, measures interstellar dust, and tracks the flow of space radiation. IMAP will reach the same L1 point by January 2026. Once there, it will provide a 30-minute early warning about harmful radiation heading towards Earth, a crucial time window that allows satellites, power grids, and even future Mars missions to prepare and protect themselves," explained space analyst Girish Linganna.
Together, Aditya-L1 and IMAP form a powerful partnership. Aditya studies solar storms right at their source, while IMAP follows how those storms spread across the solar system. This teamwork can be compared to healthcare: one doctor examines the heart closely, while another checks how blood circulates through the body. If Aditya spots a dangerous solar flare, IMAP can track its effects across billions of kilometres, improving the accuracy of space weather forecasts. This is important because solar storms can cause real damage, such as the 2024 storm that disrupted power grids in Sweden while creating brilliant auroras in the sky.
"What makes IMAP different from Aditya is its ability to look beyond the Sun’s surroundings and explore the very edges of the solar system where solar wind meets interstellar space. IMAP can even catch and study tiny dust particles from other star systems, revealing their chemical makeup. It will also create all-sky maps of how the heliosphere bends and ripples, similar to watching the surface of a soap bubble change shape in slow motion. These studies help us understand how well our solar system protects us from dangerous cosmic radiation coming from the galaxy," added Linganna.
Experts point out that this is not a competition between India and the United States but a collaboration that combines strengths. Aditya-L1 was built at a cost of under Rs 600 crores, showing that India can achieve remarkable results with cost-effective engineering. NASA’s IMAP, costing about $225 million, brings advanced technology and instruments. Scientists from Bengaluru to Houston are now sharing data and knowledge, proving that space research is stronger when countries work together rather than separately.
"For India, this collaboration is especially important. Our economy, technology, and daily lives are becoming more dependent on satellites and digital systems, from GPS navigation to mobile networks and digital payments. Solar storms can easily disrupt these systems. The data from Aditya-L1 and IMAP gives us the power to prepare. Power companies can shut down sensitive equipment before a storm hits, airlines can reroute flights to avoid high radiation, and satellite operators can switch spacecraft into safe mode. This reduces the risk of widespread damage and saves both lives and money", pointed out Linganna.
Looking ahead, when IMAP unfolds its solar panels and begins working alongside Aditya, both missions will act like twin shields protecting Earth. This is more than science; it is about safeguarding our digital and space-connected future. From ISRO’s mission control in Bengaluru to NASA’s laboratories in Houston, this partnership shows that international cooperation in space benefits all of humanity. Together, these two sentinels watching the Sun and solar wind are not just exploring space but also protecting our planet, one solar storm at a time.
