New Delhi, The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has postponed the launch of its ambitious space mission PROBA-3 satellite by a few hours ahead of schedule. This mission was to be launched through the PSLV-C59 rocket, but it was postponed due to a technical glitch. The launch has now been rescheduled for Thursday, December 5, at 4:12 pm.
Why was the launch delayed?
ISRO informed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the launch was aborted due to a technical glitch detected in the PROBA-3 spacecraft. ISRO scientists called it a “careful decision” and said their priority was to ensure the success of the mission.
PROBA-3 is known for its accuracy and technical innovation. This is the first time that precision formation flying technology will be tested in space. Under this mission two satellites, Occulter And coronagraphwill be sent into space. Both these satellites will study the Sun’s faint corona, which will help scientists understand the Sun’s behavior and its effects.
PROBA-3: What is its specialty?
PROBA-3 is the world’s first precision formation flying satellite. This means that this mission will use two different satellites, which will maintain precise positions relative to each other in space.
- Design of Satellites:
- First satellite, Occulterweighs 200 kilograms and is designed to block bright sunlight.
- Second satellite, coronagraphweighs 340 kilograms and will study the Sun’s faint corona.
- How will the mission work?
After launching, both satellites will separate but will later be brought into a precise position. Their main function is to create solar coronagraphs, which will analyze the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona). This is a revolutionary step in space science.
partnership of european countries
PROBA-3 is an international partnership project, involving several European countries. Countries like Spain, Poland, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland are cooperating in this mission.
- Mission Cost: This project has been prepared at a cost of 200 million euros (about Rs 1,700 crore).
- Mission duration: The time frame of the mission is two years, during which it will collect vital data.
revolution in solar science
Studying the Sun’s corona has always been a challenging task for scientists. The corona is the outer atmosphere of the Sun, which controls solar activities such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). These activities affect the climate, communications, and energy systems on Earth. Through PROBA-3, scientists will be able to solve these mysteries.
- Accuracy Test:
The satellites of PROBA-3 will maintain a precise position with each other at a distance of 150 meters. This technology may prove useful in future missions, especially interplanetary missions. - Advances in the study of the Sun:
Better study of the Sun’s corona will enable us to predict solar storms and their effects.
ISRO’s next big leap
Apart from PROBA-3, ISRO has recently celebrated the success of missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. PROBA-3 can prove to be another achievement for ISRO.
- ISRO has strengthened its place in space research in the last few years.
- This mission is an example of international cooperation and advanced technological experiments.
future expectations
The success of PROBA-3 will prove to be a milestone not only for India but also for global space research. Gaining new information about the Sun will provide new direction to future space missions.
PROBA-3 mission is a big step in the field of space science. This effort of ISRO and its international partners can prove to be an invaluable contribution to the knowledge of humanity.
