ISRO’s PSLV Set to Launch ESA’s Proba-3 Mission Today

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission using its trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Scheduled for December 4, 2024, at 4:08 PM IST, this mission is being facilitated by ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The mission underscores a growing trend of international collaboration in space exploration.

Launch Timing and Location

The Proba-3 mission will lift off from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at ISRO’s Sriharikota spaceport.

Enthusiasts can witness the event live, either in person from ISRO’s viewing gallery or through live streams on ISRO’s official website and social media platforms.

Despite the recent Cyclone Fengal, which struck the Tamil Nadu coast, weather conditions remain favorable for the launch, and the countdown is progressing as planned.

Proba-3: A Groundbreaking Solar Observation Mission

Proba-3, spearheaded by ESA, aims to study the Sun’s corona, the hottest and outermost layer of its atmosphere. The mission is a first-of-its-kind, leveraging precision formation flying technology to enable unprecedented scientific observations.

ESA has described Proba-3 as “a game-changing mission,” where “a pair of satellites will fly together, maintaining a fixed configuration as a ‘large rigid structure’ in space.”

This involves two spacecraft, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), operating together in a unique tandem.

Mission Highlights

The Proba-3 mission is designed to simulate a total solar eclipse through innovative formation flying. The satellites will be deployed in a highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 km to 60,000 km from Earth.

The CSC and OSC will align with the Sun, with the OSC blocking out the solar disk, allowing the CSC to capture detailed images of the Sun’s faint corona.

Weighing a combined 545 kg, the satellites will be launched aboard PSLV-C59, which stands 44.5 meters tall and weighs 320 tonnes at liftoff. Approximately 18 minutes after launch, the satellites will be released into their designated orbit.

Scientific Goals and Technological Innovation

Proba-3 blends cutting-edge technology with ambitious scientific objectives. The mission will:

• Observe the Sun’s faint corona to enhance understanding of solar activity and its effects on space weather.
• Demonstrate precision formation flying, with the two satellites maintaining a fixed 150-meter separation.
• Test advanced metrology sensors, control algorithms, and mission management techniques.
• Provide a platform for validating rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in space.

As ISRO explained, “The two satellites will adopt a fixed configuration in space, 150 meters apart, aligned with the Sun so that the Occulter Spacecraft blocks out the solar disk for the Coronagraph Spacecraft. This alignment enables groundbreaking scientific observations of the corona.”

Significance of the Mission and International Collaboration

This mission is the world’s first to demonstrate precision formation flying. It reflects a milestone in space science, blending technological innovation with scientific exploration.

Notably, Proba-3 marks the second ESA satellite launch aboard an Indian rocket. The first, Proba-1, launched in 2001, has exceeded its one-year mission timeline, remaining operational for over two decades.

The collaboration between ISRO and ESA underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing space research and technology.

Such collaborations expand the scope and impact of space missions, bringing together expertise and resources from multiple nations.

Cyclone Fengal’s Minimal Impact on Launch Preparations

Despite the massive Cyclone Fengal making landfall farther south along the Bay of Bengal, ISRO’s rocket port on Sriharikota Island escaped its wrath.

Historically, rocket launches have often been delayed due to cyclonic activity, but this time, the weather conditions remain optimal, ensuring a nominal liftoff at the scheduled time.

Looking Ahead: PSLV-C59 and Beyond

In its 61st flight, PSLV continues to demonstrate its reliability and versatility. Known as ISRO’s workhorse, the rocket has been entrusted with the critical task of launching this unique pair of satellites for ESA.

This mission not only strengthens India’s reputation in the global space industry but also opens doors for more international commercial collaborations.

Proba-3’s success is anticipated to provide valuable data for understanding solar phenomena and advancing space technology. The mission symbolizes a new era of precision in satellite operations and a leap forward in solar research.