On Thursday, December 5, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone with the successful launch of the Proba-3 mission satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The satellites were carried aboard the PSLV-C59 rocket, a dedicated commercial mission executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) with ISRO’s technical expertise.
PSLV-C59 Launch Marks a Global Milestone
The PSLV-C59 vehicle delivered the Proba-3 satellites into a highly elliptical orbit, marking a significant moment in space exploration. ISRO announced the achievement on X:
“Liftoff Achieved! PSLV-C59 has successfully soared into the skies, marking the commencement of a global mission led by NSIL, with ISRO’s technical expertise, to deploy ESA’s groundbreaking PROBA-3 satellites.”
Initially scheduled for launch on Wednesday, the mission faced a brief delay due to an anomaly detected in the Proba-3 spacecraft. However, the successful launch underscores ISRO’s commitment to reliability and precision.
What Is the Proba-3 Mission?
The Proba-3 mission is an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at showcasing cutting-edge formation flying technologies. It features two spacecraft:
- Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC)
- Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)
These spacecraft will fly in perfect synchronization, simulating a single rigid structure in space to test advanced formation flying and rendezvous capabilities.
Mission Objectives: Unlocking the Sun’s Secrets
The Proba-3 satellites aim to provide unparalleled insights into the Sun’s faint corona, particularly near the solar rim. The mission will achieve this by forming an approximately 150-meter-long solar coronagraph, a feat requiring ultra-precise alignment:
The Occulter spacecraft will cast a shadow, blocking the Sun’s bright disc.
This shadow will allow the Coronagraph spacecraft to capture clear, detailed images of the Sun’s corona.
If alignment is even slightly off, the bright sunlight could obscure the corona, making this a mission of high precision and collaboration.
Significance of the Mission
The Proba-3 mission represents a groundbreaking collaboration between ISRO and ESA, demonstrating India’s growing role in commercial space missions. It also highlights the potential of formation flying technology in future scientific and exploratory missions, from planetary studies to advanced satellite operations.
Why This Mission Matters for Space Exploration
Pioneering Technology: First-of-its-kind formation flying demonstration for large-scale scientific experiments.
Collaborative Innovation: A testament to international partnerships in space science.
Solar Study Advancement: Offers a closer look at the Sun’s corona, crucial for understanding solar activity and its impact on Earth.
Key Takeaways
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C59
- Mission Type: In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD)
- Mission Objective: Study the Sun’s faint corona using formation flying technology.
- Collaborating Agencies: ISRO, NSIL, and ESA