Image Credit: X acount @ESA_Tech
Isro Confirms Proba-3 Spacecraft Ready for PSLV Launch
The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has confirmed the readiness of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 spacecraft for integration with India’s PSLV-XL rocket.
The two-satellite mission, designed to create an artificial solar eclipse for advanced solar observations, is slated for launch on December 4, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Successful Spacecraft Fit Check Completed
The Proba-3 satellites underwent stringent functional tests following their arrival at the launch facility from Europe. After thorough evaluations, they were moved to the SP-2B facility for further preparations. A critical milestone was achieved when the Coronagraph spacecraft was successfully mated with the payload adapter, which secures it to the PSLV-XL rocket.
Engineers installed and tested the clampband and umbilical cables to ensure proper monitoring during fueling and launch. This crucial “fit check” verified that hardware developed on different continents integrates seamlessly, confirming mission readiness.
Mission to Study the Solar Corona
Proba-3 consists of two spacecraft – the Coronagraph and the Occulter. Once in orbit, the Occulter will block the Sun’s bright surface, creating an artificial eclipse to facilitate detailed and sustained observations of the faint solar corona. This region is vital for studying space weather and understanding the origins of the solar wind.
Collaboration for Breakthrough Research
This mission highlights the synergy between Isro and ESA, showcasing international collaboration in space exploration. Proba-3 aims to revolutionize solar research through precision formation flying, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Sun’s atmosphere.
With all systems validated and integration underway, this groundbreaking mission is poised for a successful liftoff in December.
