Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully moved the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-XL) to the launch pad in preparation for the Proba-3 mission. The launch is scheduled for December 4, 2024, at 4:08 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
This will mark the 61st launch of the PSLV series and the 21st launch of the PSLV-XL variant. The PSLV-XL configuration, known for its enhanced payload capacity, is equipped with additional strap-on boosters.
Representative pic
The Proba-3 mission represents a significant collaboration between ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA). It aims to study the Sun's corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere, to better understand solar dynamics and space weather phenomena.
Proba-3 is designed to be the world's first precision formation flying mission. It involves two satellites, the Occulter and the Coronagraph, which will operate in tandem at a precise distance of 150 meters to create artificial solar eclipses.
The main goal of the Proba-3 mission is to observe the Sun’s corona using advanced instruments that block out the Sun’s intense light. This will allow for continuous observations of solar phenomena that are normally difficult to capture.
The satellites will be able to maintain this precision for up to six hours, providing valuable data for research on solar activity and its impact on space weather.
The PSLV-XL will carry a total payload of 550 kg for the Proba-3 mission, further underscoring its capacity to handle payloads of significant size, critical for scientific missions like this one.
Proba-3 will not only enhance our understanding of the Sun but also demonstrate cutting-edge techniques in space exploration, particularly through its precision formation flying technology, marking a significant step in the field of space science.