ISRO Successfully Launches Proba-3 for groundbreaking solar studies for solar observation

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Proba-3 spacecraft from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday. This historic mission marks a significant step in India's space exploration efforts and its growing collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Successful Launch Despite Delay

The PSLV-C59 rocket, which carries a payload of 550 kg, was launched at 4:04 PM after a brief delay caused by an anomaly in the propulsion system on December 4. The rocket, now in orbit, has successfully delivered two critical satellites from ESA's Proba-3 mission.

Proba-3 will be the first spacecraft to perform precision formation flying, keeping two satellites— the Coronagraph and the Occulter—at a precise 150-meter distance from one another. This is a milestone in the field of space technology. The Occulter will simulate an eclipse-like event by blocking the sun's center, allowing the Coronagraph to study the sun's outer rim, known as the corona. These observations are crucial for understanding space weather and its impacts on Earth.

ISRO and ESA's Collaborative Success

Following the successful launch, ISRO Chairman S. Somnath praised the teams involved in the mission. "The PSLV-C59 Proba-3 launch has been accomplished. The spacecraft has been placed in the right orbit, a highly elliptical orbit of around 600 km at perigee and 60,000 km apogee," Somnath stated. The collaboration between ISRO and ESA underscores the growing international cooperation in space research, particularly in heliophysics.

Contribution to India's Space Evolution

This mission not only contributes to India's rapidly advancing space program but also enhances scientific research in heliophysics, an area critical for understanding solar activities that affect satellite communication and navigation systems on Earth. The Proba-3 mission exemplifies ISRO's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and providing global solutions to space-related challenges.

Proba-3: A Symbol of Innovation and Collaboration

The Proba-3 mission, named for the Latin term "Proba," meaning "let's try," symbolizes the spirit of innovation. It reflects the joint efforts of ISRO and ESA in advancing space exploration. As ISRO continues to collaborate with international agencies, this mission will be a stepping stone for further groundbreaking discoveries.