ISRO’s Historic Proba-3 Launch: A Game-Changer in Space Exploration and Global Collaboration

On December 5, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another significant milestone with the successful launch of the Proba-3 mission on its workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C59). Executed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), the mission aims to deepen scientific understanding of the Sun’s corona and space weather.

Mission Highlights

• Twin spacecraft: Proba-3 carries two satellites – the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occultor Spacecraft (OSC) – that work together to create artificial solar eclipses, allowing detailed observations of the Sun’s outer atmosphere.
• Precision formation flying: The satellites maintain a distance of 150 metres in orbit, demonstrating ESA’s groundbreaking technology in formation flying ISRO European Space Agency
• Orbit details: The spacecraft was launched into a highly elliptical orbit, reaching a maximum altitude of 60,500 km European Space Agency India Today

About the PSLV-C59 Rocket

• Configuration: The PSLV-XL variant was used for this mission, known for its extended strap-on boosters.
• Specifications:
  Height: 44.5 m
  Lift-off mass: 320 tonnes
• Payload capacity: Up to 1,800 kg for sun-synchronous orbits
• Track record: Since its launch in 1994, PSLV has consistently delivered reliable performance for ISRO, including prestigious missions to the Moon and Mars ISRO India Today

Scientific Objectives

• Sun’s Corona Observation: Proba-3 will allow scientists to study the Sun’s faint outer corona in unprecedented detail by creating an artificial eclipse.
• Space Weather Insights: Understanding solar wind and energy dynamics critical to Earth’s environment.
• Technology Demonstration: ESA’s precision flying technology paves the way for future advanced multi-satellite missions​

Key Data in Table Form

Conclusion

Proba-3 underscores ISRO’s commitment to advancing global space collaboration and ESA’s pioneering efforts in forming flying technology. The mission is to provide valuable data to enhance our understanding of solar dynamics, marking another leap forward in space exploration.
For more details, check ISR O’s ISRO ESA