Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh): The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch the PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission today at 4:04 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota.
This mission, a dedicated commercial venture of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), will carry the PROBA-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit. The launch, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed due to an anomaly detected in the PROBA-3 spacecraft.
About PROBA-3 Mission
The PROBA-3 mission, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), is the world’s first precision formation-flying mission. It involves two satellites flying together in a fixed configuration, mimicking a single rigid structure in space.
Scientific Objectives
The satellites will work together to form a 150-meter-long solar coronagraph, enabling unprecedented studies of the Sun’s faint corona near its solar rim. This innovative design will allow scientists to gain continuous and detailed views of the Sun’s atmosphere, which was previously unachievable.
The mission will also serve as an orbital laboratory, testing new technologies like acquisition, rendezvous, proximity operations, and formation flying. It aims to validate cutting-edge metrology sensors and control algorithms, paving the way for novel mission designs.
Mission Details
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C59
- Total Mass: Approx. 320 tonnes
- Liftoff Location: SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota
- Liftoff Time: 16:04 IST, December 5, 2024
ISRO’s Updates
ISRO announced the commencement of the countdown on social media platform X, stating:
“PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission Update: Countdown Commenced! Liftoff Time: 16:04 IST, 5th Dec 2024. Stay tuned as PSLV-C59 prepares to deploy ESA’s Proba-3 satellites into orbit.”
The PSLV-C59 launch vehicle comprises four stages, designed for high precision and efficiency, ensuring the success of this technologically advanced mission.
About the Partnership
The PROBA-3 mission underscores the collaboration between ISRO and ESA, showcasing India’s growing role in international space exploration. This In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission by ESA highlights innovative advancements in space technologies.
Stay tuned for updates on this milestone event as ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.