ISRO successfully launches Proba-3 spacecraft in collaboration with European Space Agency

ISRO puts ESA’s Proba-3 in orbit

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a major milestone on Thursday with the successful launch of the Proba-3 spacecraft from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch vehicle, PSLV-C59, carrying two satellites from the European Space Agency (ESA), lifted off at 4:04 PM following a brief delay caused by a propulsion system anomaly earlier this week.

A pioneering mission in precision formation flying

Proba-3 is the world’s first spacecraft to perform precision formation flying during its mission. The payload includes two satellites, the Coronagraph and the Occulter, which will fly in tandem at a precise distance of 150 meters apart. This innovative setup allows the Occulter to create an eclipse-like effect by blocking the sun’s center, enabling the Coronagraph to observe the outer layer of the sun, the corona. This study of the corona is crucial for understanding space weather and heliophysics.

Technical achievements of PSLV-C59

The rocket carried a payload of 550 kilograms and was launched into a highly elliptical orbit, with a perigee (closest point to Earth) of 600 kilometers and an apogee (farthest point from Earth) of 60,000 kilometers. The Proba-3 mission represents a significant advancement in space science and is expected to yield valuable insights into solar activity and its effects on space weather.

ISRO Chairman lauds collaborative success

ISRO Chairman S Somnath addressed team members from ISRO and ESA following the launch, congratulating them on their achievement. “The PSLV-C59 Proba-3 launch has been accomplished. The spacecraft has been placed in the right orbit. This marks another significant step in our journey of international collaboration and space exploration,” he said.

A step forward in space science

Proba, short for “Project for Onboard Autonomy” and Latin for “Let’s try,” highlights the innovative nature of this mission. This collaboration between ISRO and ESA not only strengthens ties between the two agencies but also pushes the boundaries of heliophysics research.

With this successful launch, ISRO continues to play a pivotal role in advancing global space exploration and further cements its position as a leader in cutting-edge space technology.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post ISRO successfully launches Proba-3 spacecraft in collaboration with European Space Agency appeared first on PGurus.