ISRO Successfully Launches European Proba-3 Mission

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. ISRO successfully launched ESA’s Proba-3 mission.
2. The PSLV-XL rocket lifted off from Sriharikota.
3. Proba-3 will study the Sun’s corona using twin satellites.
4. The launch marks significant ISRO-ESA collaboration.
5. Data from Proba-3 will aid space weather prediction.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Successful Launch by ISRO
On December 5, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission. The PSLV-XL rocket took off at 4:04 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission focuses on studying the Sun’s corona, the outer layer of the solar atmosphere.

What is Proba-3 Mission?
Proba-3 consists of two satellites: the Coronagraph and the Occulter. These satellites will maintain a precise 150-meter formation, with the Occulter blocking the Sun’s disk. This setup allows the Coronagraph to observe the faint corona in unprecedented detail, simulating an artificial eclipse.

Technical Challenges and Solutions
The launch, initially scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed due to a technical glitch in the redundant propulsion system of the Coronagraph spacecraft. ESA teams in Belgium addressed the issue, clearing the way for Thursday’s successful launch.

A Milestone in International Cooperation
Proba-3 demonstrates advanced technology and reinforces global collaboration. It marks ESA’s return to launching missions with ISRO after two decades, highlighting India’s growing prominence in global space research. Data from Proba-3 will enhance space weather predictions, crucial for satellite and communication systems.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• ISRO launched ESA’s Proba-3 mission successfully.
• The mission will study the Sun’s corona using twin satellites.
• It marks a major step in international space cooperation.

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