The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked another milestone by successfully launching the PSLV-C59 rocket carrying the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 satellites. The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. These satellites, launched in a stacked configuration, were placed into a highly elliptical orbit with remarkable precision, underscoring ISRO’s prowess in delivering international payloads.
Proba-3 consists of two satellites designed to fly 150 meters apart to study the Sun’s corona by creating a controlled solar eclipse in space. This innovative mission aims to advance formation-flying technology and enhance solar observation, providing up to six hours of continuous eclipse conditions 50 times a year — a feat impossible from Earth due to natural eclipse limitations.
This €200 million ESA mission highlights successful international collaboration and paves the way for future technological advancements in space-based solar research and precision satellite coordination. The mission’s success strengthens India’s position as a reliable partner in global space exploration.
