This project is an addition to India's current solar observation-focused Aditya L1 mission, which was launched in September 2023.
On Thursday, the European Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 mission was successfully launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).At 4:04 PM IST, the Indian workhorse rocket took launch from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission represents a major partnership between ISRO and ESA and aims to improve our understanding of the Sun's corona, or outer layer of its atmosphere.
A technical issue with the Proba-3 spacecraft forced the rescheduling of the launch, which was originally slated for Wednesday.
The issue pertained to the Coronagraph Spacecraft's redundant propulsion system, which is essential for preserving the satellite's orientation and accurate pointing in space. In order to prepare for a Thursday launch, ESA teams in Redu, Belgium, will look into the issue and create a software solution.
PROBA-3 MISSION: WHAT IS IT?
The Coronagraph and the Occulter are the two satellites that make up Proba-3.
While flying together, these twin spacecraft will maintain a tight formation, keeping 150 meters between each other.
Because of this special arrangement, the Occulter can block out the Sun's dazzling disk, allowing the Coronagraph to see the faint corona in previously unheard-of detail.
Up to six hours of uninterrupted observation time will be available to scientists during this artificial eclipse, which is comparable to about 50 annual natural solar eclipses.
By offering crucial information on solar events that can impact satellite operations and communications on Earth, Proba-3 is anticipated to make a substantial contribution to space weather prediction.
This project is an addition to India's current solar observation-focused Aditya L1 mission, which was launched in September 2023.
A MASSIVE STEP FOR ISRO
Once again demonstrating its dependability in delivering payload to low Earth orbit, the PSLV-XL configuration, which is outfitted with six strap-on solid rocket boosters, each of which carries 12 tons of propellant, placed the spacecraft in a precise elliptical orbit.
The elliptical orbit of the spacecraft is essential because, at its furthest point, more than 60,000 kilometers from Earth, the planet's gravitational pull would be negated, guaranteeing the two probes six hours of formation flight.
In addition to being a technological demonstration, the Proba-3 mission represents a breakthrough in global collaboration in space science. This partnership highlights India's expanding position in space exploration worldwide and represents ESA's return to launching missions with ISRO after more than 20 years.
The European Space Agency, through Isro's commercial subsidiary New Space India Limited, commissioned the launch.
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