ISRO successfully launched the PROBA-3 mission, which the study sun's orbit with an 'occulting' device
ISRO successfully launched the PROBA-3 mission, which involves blocking the sun's orbit with an 'occulting' device to study the corona and uncover its secrets.
ISRO and ESA are preparing to launch the Proba-3 mission, a collaborative project involving two spacecraft working in tandem to simulate a solar eclipse. This unique approach will allow for unprecedented observations of the Sun’s corona. The mission highlights the increasing collaboration between space agencies and the potential of advanced technology for groundbreaking research.
The mission will facilitate extended observations of the Sun’s outer atmosphere by simulating solar eclipses. This innovative strategy will help scientists understand the Sun’s behavior, particularly regarding the corona's extreme heat and solar wind acceleration.
Here are 10 key facts about the Proba-3 mission:
* Joint Venture: Proba-3 is a collaborative effort between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA).
* Launch Vehicle: The mission will be launched by ISRO's reliable PSLV-XL rocket on December 5, 2024.
* Formation Flying: The mission involves two spacecraft, the Coronagraph, and the Occulter, flying in a precise formation 150 meters apart.
* Solar Eclipse Simulation: The Occulter spacecraft will block the Sun's disk, allowing the Coronagraph to observe the Sun's faint corona.
* Extended Observation: This innovative technique will enable continuous observation of the Sun's corona, unlike traditional methods limited to brief solar eclipses.
* Scientific Goals: The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, understand its extreme heat, and investigate the acceleration of solar wind.
* Technological Advancement: Proba-3 demonstrates advanced formation flying technology, crucial for future space missions.
* Space Weather Insights: The mission will study the Sun's corona, providing valuable insights into space weather events that can impact Earth.
* Global Collaboration: The partnership between ISRO and ESA highlights international cooperation in space exploration.
* Building on Success: Proba-3 follows the successful launches of Proba-1 and Proba-2, which have contributed to Earth observation and space science.
The scientific goals of the Proba 3 mission
Proba-3 facts and figures | |
|---|---|
Launch date: | 5 Dec. 2024 |
| Mass: | Coronagraph spacecraft 340 kg; Occulter spacecraft 200 kg |
| Orbit: | High Earth orbit, 19.7 hours orbital period, 60 530 km apogee, 600 km perigee |
| Instrument: | External coronagraph |
| Ground station: | The mission antenna will be at Santa Maria des Azores, and the ground station at Redu, Belgium |
The Proba-3 mission seeks to enhance our knowledge of the Sun’s corona and the phenomena related to space weather. These phenomena include solar storms and coronal mass ejections, which can significantly impact Earth’s communication systems, satellite operations, and power grids.
International collaboration in space research
The Proba-3 mission emphasizes the significance of international partnerships in advancing space research and technology. The collaboration between ISRO and ESA highlights the increasing importance of global cooperation in achieving scientific milestones in space. The mission also demonstrates ISRO's growing capabilities in space technology, as the PSLV-XL rocket has been selected to launch the two spacecraft into orbit. This launch will mark the 61st flight of the PSLV and the 26th use of its PSLV-XL configuration.
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