Sriharikota, December 4, 2024 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has rescheduled the launch of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 Sun observation mission to Thursday, December 5, 2024, after a delay caused by an unexpected anomaly.
The launch, initially set for Wednesday, was postponed after the countdown progressed smoothly until the anomaly was detected. ISRO confirmed the rescheduled timing via a statement on social media, saying, “Due to an anomaly detected in PROBA-3 spacecraft PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 launch rescheduled to tomorrow.”
The launch will now take place at 4:12 pm IST from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota. This mission will be a significant milestone, marking the first launch from India for ESA since the Proba-1 mission in 2001, emphasizing the growing space cooperation between India and Europe.
A Symbol of Strength in Global Space Partnerships
The Proba-3 mission will be carried into space aboard ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket as part of a dedicated commercial mission managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The launch highlights India’s increasing role in the global space community and its engineering capabilities in space missions.
“The mission, powered by NSIL with ISRO’s engineering excellence, reflects the strength of international collaboration. It is a proud milestone in India’s space journey and a shining example of global partnerships,” ISRO said in its announcement.
The Proba-3 spacecraft, which includes two units—the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)—was flown to India from Liege, Belgium. After arriving at Chennai airport, the spacecraft was transported by truck to the Sriharikota launch site for preparation.
Proba-3 Mission Objectives and Key Features
The Proba-3 mission is set to make a significant contribution to solar research. It will study the Sun’s faint corona by observing it from a closer distance to the solar rim. The mission will serve as an in-orbit demonstration (IOD) for ESA, aiming to showcase precise formation flying technology.
Both the Coronagraph Spacecraft and the Occulter Spacecraft will work together to create a 144-meter-long solar coronagraph. This innovative instrument will allow scientists to observe and study the Sun’s corona, a layer of the Sun’s atmosphere that is difficult to examine due to the overwhelming brightness of the solar disk.
The PSLV-C59 launch will mark the 61st flight of the PSLV rocket and the 26th flight using the PSLV-XL configuration.
ISRO’s PSLV rocket has become one of the most reliable and versatile launch vehicles in the world, known for its ability to carry out a variety of missions, including both commercial and scientific objectives.
A New Era of Space Exploration
The Proba-3 mission is poised to become a key player in our understanding of solar activity and space weather. By demonstrating formation flying, the mission will pave the way for future space endeavors that require precise coordination between multiple spacecraft.
The collaboration between ESA and ISRO on this mission signifies the continued growth of international cooperation in space exploration, as both agencies work towards uncovering the mysteries of the universe.
As the new launch date approaches, all eyes will be on Sriharikota, where the PSLV-XL rocket prepares to take off, carrying with it the hopes of scientists and space enthusiasts around the world.