'60,000 km above Earth': ISRO to launch Proba-3 mission with ESA today after technical delay
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Launch Rescheduled
Following a technical anomaly, ISRO will attempt to launch the PSLV-C59 rocket carrying the Proba-3 twin spacecraft on Thursday, December 5, at 4:12 PM IST. The initial launch, set for December 4, was postponed.
Pre-Launch Issue Identified
The European Space Agency (ESA) stated that a technical issue was detected during pre-launch checks, prompting ISRO to reschedule for thorough analysis and correction.
International Collaboration
Proba-3 marks a significant collaboration between ISRO and ESA, the first such satellite launch between the agencies since 2001, emphasizing global partnerships in space exploration.
Mission Objective
The Proba-3 mission aims to test advanced formation-flying technology. It includes two satellites, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), designed to work together to create artificial solar eclipses.
Scientific Goals
The mission will enable detailed observation of the Sun’s corona by blocking its bright disk. This data is critical for understanding solar activity and its influence on space weather.
Orbital Details
The satellites will operate in a highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 kilometers to 60,530 kilometers, allowing up to six hours of continuous solar observation.
Technical Milestone
The precision formation flying of the two spacecraft is a breakthrough in space technology, showcasing ISRO's engineering capabilities and its role in advancing solar research.
Commitment to Success
ISRO announced the new schedule via social media, highlighting its focus on ensuring mission success and maintaining rigorous safety standards.