Announcements from international space agencies

ISRO Launches Spain-Led Proba-3 Satellites to Study Sun's Corona

Dec 5, 2024, 10:54 AM

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched two European satellites, Proba-3, into orbit from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday using the PSLV-C59 rocket. The mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) with significant involvement from Spain, aims to create artificial solar eclipses in space to study the Sun's elusive corona. The Proba-3 satellites will fly in precise formation, with one satellite casting a precise shadow on the other, enabling scientists to observe the Sun's outermost layer for extended periods—each artificial eclipse lasting up to six hours once operations begin next year. These eclipses cannot be seen from Earth. ISRO Chief S. Somanath confirmed the successful placement of the spacecraft into the correct orbit. Following fairing separation, the satellites deployed their solar panels and are reported to be in good condition. ESA's Director General, Josef Aschbacher, congratulated the mission team. Former Indian Institute of Astrophysics scientist R.C. Kapoor remarked, "This was a big challenge for ISRO. This is a demonstration of new technology in orbit." The mission represents a significant technological demonstration of precision formation flying and reinforces Spain's leadership in the space sector. The launch also contributes approximately $30 million in revenue to ISRO.