Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission, set to launch on Wednesday aboard ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket, underscores India’s growing role in global space exploration. Proba-3, a two-satellite formation flying mission, aims to study solar coronas and demonstrate precise spacecraft positioning.
For decades, ESA relied on Ariane rockets for their dependable satellite launches. However, with Ariane 5 retired and Ariane 6 still under development, ESA currently lacks an operational launch vehicle, making collaborations with other space agencies essential.
While SpaceX’s Falcon 9 offers larger payload capacities at competitive costs, its suitability diminishes for smaller missions like Proba-3. PSLV, designed for medium-lift payloads, provides a cost-effective, dedicated launch option, ideal for such specialized missions.
ISRO’s PSLV boasts over 97% success from 60 launches, earning global recognition for reliability. Its ability to handle lighter payloads efficiently makes it a preferred choice for many international partners, including ESA.
India’s active space diplomacy has fostered partnerships with ESA. Recent agreements include training for Gaganyaan astronauts, lunar mission support, and software validation for ISRO’s orbital tracking systems, reflecting deepening collaboration between the agencies.
India’s NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) plays a pivotal role in securing commercial space contracts. Its collaboration with ESA for Proba-3 follows successful partnerships like OneWeb, where NSIL launched 72 satellites for the satellite internet provider.
The PSLV’s cost-per-launch, ranging between $18-28 million, is highly competitive. For smaller satellites requiring dedicated launches, PSLV offers a practical alternative to Falcon 9, Soyuz, and other launch vehicles.
As ESA and other global players navigate challenges in their launch capabilities, ISRO’s reliable infrastructure and cost efficiency position India as a critical partner in the evolving space industry. The Proba-3 launch further solidifies this reputation, marking a milestone in India-Europe space cooperation.