ISRO successfully launches European Space Agency's PROBA-3 satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the European Space Agency's PROBA-3 satellite today using its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. This marks ISRO's 61st commercial mission. PROBA-3 consists of two spacecraft designed to study the Sun's corona with high precision. They will operate in a close formation, creating a virtual satellite to block direct sunlight and capture detailed images of the corona. Following the launch, the European Space Agency will conduct safety tests and a collision maneuver test. Once completed, the satellites will enter a stable orbit, allowing them to perform various scientific and navigational experiments autonomously.