By R Anil Kumar
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In another flawless launch by the Indian Space Research Organization’s reliable workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 successfully launched European Space Agency (ESA) PROBA-3 Satellites into a highly elliptical orbit
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The Indian workhorse rocket lifted off at 4:04 PM IST
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This mission aims to enhance our understanding of the Sun’s corona
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These twin satellites will operate in a precise formation
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission on December 5, 2024, at 4:04 PM IST, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission marks a significant collaboration between ISRO and ESA, emphasizing international cooperation in space exploration.
The Proba-3 mission aims to study the Sun’s corona, its outermost layer, which can reach temperatures of up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit. Understanding the corona is crucial for predicting space weather events that can affect satellite operations and power grids on Earth.
PROBA-3 MISSION
Proba-3 consists of two satellites: the Coronagraph and the Occulter.
These twin satellites will operate in a precise formation, maintaining a distance of 150 meters apartwhile flying together.
This unique configuration allows the Occulter to block out the Sun’s bright disk, enabling the Coronagraph to observe the faint corona in unprecedented detail.
This artificial eclipse will provide scientists with up to six hours of continuous observation time, equivalent to approximately 50 natural solar eclipses each year.
Proba-3 is expected to significantly contribute to space weather prediction by providing vital data about solar phenomena that can affect satellite operations and communications on Earth.
This mission complements India’s ongoing Aditya L1 mission, which was launched in September 2023 and focuses on solar observations.
A BIG MILESTONE FOR ISRO
The PSLV-XL configuration, equipped with six strap-on solid rocket boosters, each carrying 12 tonnes of propellant, delivered the spacecraft in a precise elliptical orbit, once again confirming its reliability in launching payload to low Earth orbit.
The spacecraft’s elliptical orbit is vital as, at its farthest point of over 60,000 km from Earth, the gravitational effect of the planet would be cancelled ensuring asix hours of formation flying of the two probes.
The Proba-3 mission is not only a technological demonstration but also a step forward in international cooperation in space science.
This collaboration marks ESA’s return to launching missions with ISRO after over two decades, highlighting India’s growing role in global space exploration.
The launch was commissioned by the European Space Agency via ISRO’s commercial arm New Space India Limited.
Components: The mission consists of two satellites:
- Coronagraph Satellite (CSC): Weighing 340 kg, it will observe the corona.
- Occulter Satellite (OSC): Weighing 200 kg, it will block the Sun’s bright disk to facilitate observations of the Corona.
Proba-3 is notable for its use of precision formation flying technology, where the two satellites will maintain a fixed distance of 150 meters apart.
This configuration allows the OSC to create an artificial solar eclipse, enabling the CSC to observe the faint corona in unprecedented detail. This setup provides scientists with up to six hours of continuous observation, equivalent to experiencing about 50 natural solar eclipses annually.
This launch not only enhances our understanding of solar phenomena but also demonstrates ISRO’s capabilities as a reliable launch provider for international missions.
The Proba-3 mission complements India’s own solar observation initiative, Aditya-L1, which was launched in September 2023, further solidifying India’s role in global solar research and exploration.
The successful deployment of Proba-3 represents a critical advancement in space technology and a testament to the growing collaboration between ISRO and ESA, highlighting the importance of international partnerships in advancing scientific knowledge and technological capabilities in space exploration.
