ISRO to Launch PSLV-C59 with Proba-3 Satellite on December 4
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C59. It will carry the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 satellite. The launch is scheduled on December 4, 2024, at 4:08 PM IST. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) undertakes this dedicated commercial mission. It will be launched from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Proba-3: A Mission for Solar Exploration
Proba-3 is an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission designed to showcase precision formation flying techniques. The spacecraft comprises two components: the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC). These two satellites, launched together in a stacked configuration, will operate in tandem, maintaining a precise distance of 150 meters. This unique arrangement will allow for the creation of artificial solar eclipses. It will enable scientists to study the Sun’s corona in unprecedented detail.
The primary objective of the Proba-3 mission is to explore the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere. By studying the corona, scientists aim to gain a deeper understanding of solar dynamics. They also seek to comprehend space weather. These factors can impact Earth’s climate and technology infrastructure. The spacecraft’s instruments are designed to block the Sun’s intense light. This design allows for detailed observation of solar phenomena that are typically obscured. Proba-3’s ability to continuously monitor the corona for up to six hours is expected to yield valuable scientific insights.
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