ISRO launches two European satellites for Proba-3 mission to create artificial solar eclipses

apnews.com December 5, 2024, 02:01 PM UTC

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched two European satellites on December 5, 2024, from Sriharikota. This mission, called Proba-3, aims to create artificial solar eclipses lasting six hours, significantly longer than natural eclipses. The satellites will separate in about a month and fly 492 feet apart, using advanced technology to maintain precise positions. This setup will allow one satellite to block sunlight for the other, enabling detailed study of the sun's corona. The mission is expected to provide at least 1,000 hours of eclipse observations over two years. The first results are anticipated in March 2025, following initial checks of the satellites.


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