In a remarkable achievement for space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) successfully placed two European Space Agency (ESA) satellites into orbit on December 5, 2024. The mission, known as Proba-3, aims to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere by maintaining a precise formation between the two satellites.
Mission Overview
The PSLV-C59 mission, a dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), carried the Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit. Proba-3 consists of two spacecraft: the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)1. These satellites will fly together in a stacked configuration, demonstrating precise formation flying.
Objectives and Significance
The primary goal of the Proba-3 mission is to create artificial solar eclipses by flying the two satellites at a fixed distance of 150 meters from each other. This will enable unprecedented observations of the Sun’s corona, helping ESA scientists better understand solar activities and space weather3. The mission is a significant step forward in solar research and showcases India’s growing capabilities in space technology.
Launch Details
The launch took place from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota. The PSLV-C59 vehicle, standing at 44.5 meters tall and weighing 320 tons at lift-off, successfully deployed the Proba-3 spacecraft into its designated orbit1.
Global Recognition and Reactions
The successful launch has garnered international attention, with scientists and space enthusiasts worldwide praising ISRO’s achievement. The Proba-3 mission is seen as a pioneering effort that could pave the way for future collaborative missions in space exploration.
ISRO’s PSLV-C59 mission marks a significant milestone in the field of space research, demonstrating India’s capability to support international scientific endeavors. The Proba-3 mission will provide valuable insights into solar phenomena, contributing to our understanding of the Sun and its impact on Earth.