In a major milestone for space exploration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 satellites aboard the PSLV-C59 rocket. This groundbreaking mission, a collaboration between ISRO and ESA, is expected to revolutionize the study of the Sun’s corona and solar wind, marking a new chapter in solar physics.
Proba-3 focuses on the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere that is inexplicably hotter than its surface. The mission aims to analyze the solar wind a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun and its impact on space weather conditions. Former ISRO scientist PV Venkitakrishnan highlighted that Proba-3’s advanced design will replicate the effects of a total solar eclipse, offering continuous observations of the Sun’s corona for six hours during each orbit. This capability is equivalent to observing nearly 50 natural eclipses annually, a feat unattainable through conventional methods.
The mission comprises two satellites Coronagraph and Occulter designed to maintain precise 150-meter formations in orbit. This formation is critical for capturing high-resolution images and data, enabling a deeper understanding of solar physics. Additionally, the data collected will improve the accuracy of space weather forecasts, vital for protecting satellites, communication systems, and astronauts from solar radiation.
Venkitakrishnan emphasized the innovative engineering and international collaboration underpinning Proba-3. ESA contributed advanced propulsion systems for the precise orbital maneuvers, while ISRO provided cost-effective and reliable launch services. This partnership underscores India’s growing leadership in the global space sector and highlights the success of ISRO’s space diplomacy initiatives.
The Proba-3 mission not only advances scientific understanding but also strengthens international cooperation in space exploration, cementing ISRO’s position as a global leader in innovative and impactful space missions.
