On December 5, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another significant milestone with the successful launch of the PSLV-C59 mission, carrying the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 satellites. The mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marked a major step in solar research and space technology.
The PSLV-C59 rocket, on its 61st flight, lifted off at 4:04 PM IST, following a smooth countdown. Despite a delay the previous day due to an anomaly in the satellite propulsion system, the mission successfully deployed two Proba-3 satellites into their designated orbits. ISRO confirmed the success, stating that both satellites—Coronagraph (310 kg) and Occulter (240 kg)—separated flawlessly, achieving their intended objectives.
A Mission to Study the Sun’s Corona
The Proba-3 mission, designed to advance solar observations, consists of two satellites that will operate in tandem to study the Sun’s outermost layer, the corona. These satellites, flying in precise formation 150 meters apart, will enable high-precision observations of the Sun.
The Occulter satellite will block the Sun’s bright disk, allowing the Coronagraph to focus on studying the surrounding atmosphere, where space weather originates. This setup will help scientists explore the corona, which is significantly hotter than the Sun’s surface and crucial to understanding solar activity.
The Proba-3 mission is of critical importance for solar science, as it will enable extended observations of the solar rim—vital for understanding solar processes that impact space weather and Earth’s climate. The mission will also showcase ESA’s advanced technology for precise formation flying in space.
A Boost for ISRO’s Solar Research Capabilities
This launch builds on ISRO’s increasing expertise in space missions, particularly in solar research. Following the success of the Aditya-L1 mission in September 2023, which focused on the Sun, the Proba-3 mission strengthens ISRO’s position in global solar research.
The mission was funded by ESA under its General Support Technology Programme and led by the commercial arm of ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL), which facilitated the launch. This collaboration highlights ISRO’s growing role in space research and technology, further solidifying its capabilities in deploying complex satellite systems.
With the successful deployment of Proba-3 into orbit, the mission promises to unlock new insights into the Sun’s behavior, enhancing our understanding of solar activity and space weather dynamics.
