Amid much anticipation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is ready for its next big launch. On December 4, that reliable virgin booster of ISRO, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), will be shooting off the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3, an ambitious mission that will be dedicated to the study of the Sun’s corona.

What is Proba-3?

Proba-3 is ESA’s challenging mission, including two satellites to form the most accurate solar coronagraph in history. The mission will focus on the outer layer of the sun, also known as the corona, by eclipsing the bright surface so scientists can examine the lower-intensity corona.

The two satellites will:

• Fly in Formation: The first satellite will shield the sun while the second takes pictures of the corona.
• Maintain Precision: It will be freely formed within a few millimetres and demonstrate the state of the art in space technology.

ISRO’s Role in the Mission

India’s PSLV has been selected for its high reliability and versatility in putting advanced loads into space. PSLV has garnered competitive recognition in international satellite launching missions over the years.

For Proba-3, PSLV will put the two satellites at a height of a high Earth orbit to serve ESA science endeavours. It also clearly defines how and through which entities ISRO is gradually emerging as an enabler of space science across the world.

Why Study the Corona?

Of all the layers in the Sun, the corona plays a big role in researching solar activity and space weather phenomena. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections can affect satellite function and the flow of electricity and other types of signals on our planet. Probe-3’s result may allow one to anticipate and avoid such consequences.

What’s Next?

As a global launch partner, ISRO thus stands affirmed, while for ESA the mission underpins its pursuit of solar science. Currently, anticipation increases just days before the launch, and observers eye this global project forerunner in providing fresh information on the sun.