ISRO successfully launches PSLV-C59 rocket with European Space Agency’s Proba-3 satellites
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On December 5, 2024, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C59 rocket carrying the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The launch was earlier postponed by a day due to an anomaly, but the spacecraft was placed in the right orbit.
Key Highlights
- Mission: PSLV-C59 / PROBA-3
- Date & Time: Dec 5, 2024, at 4:04 PM IST
- Payload: ESA’s Proba-3 (Project for Onboard Autonomy) satellites (~550 kg)
- Orbit: Highly elliptical orbit
- Rocket: PSLV-XL configuration (61st PSLV flight; 26th in XL config)
- Separation: Satellites separated ~18 minutes after launch
About Proba-3
- Two spacecraft launched together → will later separate for precise formation flying (down to millimetre precision).
- Demonstration: Produce artificial solar eclipses in orbit → prolonged study of the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere).
- Operations: Initial commissioning in late 2024; full scientific operations (including corona observations) expected by mid-2025.
- Control Centre: European Space Security and Education Centre, Belgium.
Significance
- Reinforces PSLV’s reliability for international collaborations.
- Advances global efforts in formation flying technology.
- Enhances India’s credibility as a launch services provider.
- Scientific contribution → helps understand solar corona and space weather, crucial for space missions & satellite safety.
Updated - December 05, 2024 08:27 pm | The Hindu