ISRO to Launch PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission on December 4
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced that the much-awaited launch of the PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission will take place on December 4, 2024, at 4:06 p.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
The mission will see the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C59 carrying approximately 550 kg of satellites into a highly elliptical orbit. The PSLV-C59 mission is a significant milestone, as it marks the 61st flight of PSLV and the 26th launch using the PSLV-XL configuration.
The PROBA-3 mission is an “In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission” conducted by the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission’s primary goal is to demonstrate “precise formation flying,” a critical technology for future space missions. This involves launching two spacecraft— the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)—in a stacked configuration, where one spacecraft is placed on top of the other.
ISRO emphasized the importance of the PSLV launch vehicle, which has been pivotal in carrying satellites and other payloads into space. It was India’s first vehicle equipped with liquid stages, with the inaugural PSLV launch successfully taking place in October 1994. The PSLV-C59 mission will consist of four stages and is set to lift a total mass of approximately 320 tonnes.
In a statement, ISRO highlighted how this mission exemplifies the “trusted precision” of the PSLV and the collaboration between ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the European Space Agency (ESA).
The PROBA-3 mission is notable for being the world’s first precision formation flying mission. It will study the solar corona, the outermost and hottest layer of the Sun’s atmosphere, a significant scientific endeavor. The mission is part of ESA’s continued efforts to explore solar phenomena and advance space-based research technologies.
ISRO’s previous PSLV launch, PSLV-C58, took place on January 1, 2024, when the XPOSAT satellite was launched into an eastward low inclination orbit.
The PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission is an exciting development in India’s growing space exploration capabilities, as it continues to strengthen international collaborations and push the boundaries of space science.
