ISRO will create new history again, will launch ESA's Solar Mission

Proba-3 Mission ISRO: Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is going to achieve another major milestone on 4 December 2024. On this day, Proba-3 mission will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. This special solar mission of the European Space Agency (ESA) will be launched through ISRO's reliable PSLV rocket. This mission is a symbol of the strengthening cooperation between India and Europe in the space sector.

Third episode of Proba series: What is Proba-3?

Proba-3 is the third mission of the European Space Agency's Proba (PRoject for On-Board Autonomy) series. Earlier, Proba-1 was launched by ISRO in 2001, while Proba-2 was launched in 2009. This mission takes forward ESA's efforts in the field of solar research.

Features of Proba-3 mission:

Cost: ₹ 1780 crore.

Duration: 2 years.

Orbit: 600 × 60530 km elliptical orbit.

Orbital period: about 19.7 hours.

Unique combination of two satellites

The Proba-3 mission consists of two satellites:

Occultor spacecraft (200 kg)

Coronagraph spacecraft (340 kg)

Both satellites will be launched together and work in synchronized orbit around the Sun. Their main purpose is to do an in-depth study of the area around the Sun. These satellites will create conditions like an artificial solar eclipse by blocking the intense sunlight.

Role of Proba-3 in the study of the Sun

The study of the Sun's corona, which has a temperature of about 2 million degrees Fahrenheit, is challenging. But this study is necessary to understand space weather and measure the impact of solar activities such as solar storms and solar winds.

Instruments installed in Proba-3:

ASPIICS (Advanced Spectral Imaging Coronagraph):

Will study the gap between the Sun's inner and outer corona.

The 1.4 meter diameter occulter disk will block the sunlight.

DARA (Digital Absolute Radiometer):

Will measure the total energy emitted by the sun.

3DEES (3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer):

Will collect data related to space weather.

Importance of Proba-3

During a natural solar eclipse, scientists get only 10 minutes to study the sun. But through Proba-3, this time will increase to 6 hours per day. This means that data equivalent to 50 solar eclipses will be available annually.

Strong partnership between ISRO and ESA

Developed by teams from Spain, Belgium, Poland, Italy and Switzerland, this mission being launched by PSLV reflects the credibility of the Indian space agency. This mission will further strengthen India's important role in the field of international cooperation and scientific achievements.

Conclusion

The Proba-3 mission will not only revolutionize solar research but will also help touch new heights in space science. This launch on December 4 will add another golden chapter to the cooperation between India and Europe in the space sector. ISRO's PSLV is once again ready to make India feel proud.