ISRO Gears Up for PSLV-C59 Launch with ESA’s Proba-3 on Board

SRIHARIKOTA: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be launching its PSLV-C59 rocket on December 4, at 4:08 PM, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) at Sriharikota. It is a commercial venture of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) which will carry European Space Agency's (ESA) ESA's Proba-3 to highly elliptical orbit.

The In-Orbit Demonstration mission Proba-3 focuses on precision formation flying technology, where two spacecraft are able to keep at a constant position relative to each other in orbit.

There are two main components that make up this mission: the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC), an In-Orbit Demonstration space vehicle that studies the Sun through the blocking of its very bright light, and the Occulter Spacecraft, that acts as a shield that helps facilitate CSC observations.

This cooperative endeavor seeks to enhance space weather forecasting, promote satellite and communication system safety, and advance solar research.

The PSLV-C59 is a 44.5-meter tall, 320-tonne rocket that demonstrates the prowess of ISRO engineering. Equipped with a four-stage propulsion system and six strap-on boosters, the launch vehicle is designed to be precise and reliable. This mission adds strength to the reputation of ISRO in international space exploration and helps India's commercial space sector.

Besides scientific progress, the mission represents global cooperation in space technology. The launch will be broadcast live on ISRO's official websites, giving space enthusiasts across the globe a chance to witness this historic moment. For more detailed information, ISRO's website contains all the details of the mission.

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