India launches European Proba-3 mission to study solar corona with artificial eclipses

India is set to launch the European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission today, December 4, 2024, at 4:08 PM IST. The mission will use two satellites to create artificial eclipses, allowing for extended observations of the Sun's corona. The satellites will enter a highly elliptical orbit, testing advanced formation-flying technology. They will align with millimeter accuracy to block the Sun, enabling uninterrupted study of the solar corona for up to six hours during each orbital cycle. Proba-3 is the fourth mission in ESA's Proba series, following earlier successful launches. The project, initiated in 2014, aims to enhance solar research and develop technologies for future satellite formations.