New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to relaunch the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C59) carrying the Proba-3 mission on Thursday at 4:12 PM IST. The launch was initially scheduled for December 4 but was postponed due to an anomaly detected during final pre-launch preparations.The European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed the issue, stating, As part of standard pre-launch preparations, a technical issue was detected in the Proba-3 spacecraft. The mission marks a significant milestone in ISROs collaboration with ESA, being the first joint satellite launch between the two agencies since 2001.Proba-3: Pioneering Formation-Flying TechnologyThe Proba-3 mission is an ambitious project aimed at demonstrating advanced formation-flying technology. The twin satellites—Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)—will work in tandem to create artificial solar eclipses. This cutting-edge approach enables scientists to observe the Suns corona, free from interference caused by its bright disk.The satellites will be launched into a highly elliptical orbit, ranging from 600 kilometers to a staggering 60,530 kilometers. This configuration allows extended solar observations of up to six hours, offering unparalleled insights into solar phenomena and their influence on space weather.Commitment to Excellence Amid ChallengesThe initial launch attempt from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota was called off just under an hour before liftoff. ISRO promptly rescheduled the launch and reaffirmed its commitment to mission success via social media updates.Proba-3s unprecedented precision formation-flying capability represents a leap forward in space technology. By enabling detailed studies of solar dynamics, the mission aims to advance scientific understanding and bolster space weather prediction capabilities.A Showcase of International CollaborationThe Proba-3 mission highlights ISROs engineering expertise and its dedication to fostering global partnerships in space exploration. This collaboration not only strengthens Indias position in the international space community but also underscores the importance of collective efforts in tackling complex scientific challenges.
