ISRO to launch ESA's Proba-3 mission for solar corona study on December 4

ISRO will launch the PSLV-C59 rocket carrying the European Space Agency's Proba-3 spacecraft on December 4, 2024, at 4:08 PM IST from Sriharikota. This mission will demonstrate precision formation flying with two satellites. Proba-3 consists of a Coronagraph Spacecraft and an Occulter Spacecraft, which will maintain a distance of 150 meters. This setup will create artificial solar eclipses for extended observation of the Sun's corona, enhancing understanding of solar dynamics. The mission, a collaboration between ISRO and ESA, aims to gather valuable scientific data by blocking the Sun's light. The PSLV-XL rocket will carry a payload of about 550 kg, marking the 61st PSLV mission.