ISRO to Launch PROBA-3 Mission from Sriharikota Today: A Collaborative Space Milestone

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission with the launch of the PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Scheduled for 4:08 PM IST on December 4, 2024, this mission exemplifies international collaboration, as it involves a partnership between ISRO and the European Space Agency (ESA).

This mission will deploy two spacecrafts, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), in a stacked configuration, into a highly elliptical orbit. The satellites, weighing approximately 550 kg, aim to demonstrate advanced technological capabilities under ESA's In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) initiative.

Key Highlights of the PROBA-3 Mission

PSLV-C59: A Reliable Workhorse

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C59, ISRO's trusted launcher, features four robust stages, including liquid-fuel stages. With a total lifting capacity of 320 tonnes, PSLV has a remarkable legacy, with its first successful mission dating back to October 1994.

Technological Details

• Two Satellites: The CSC and OSC will work in tandem to demonstrate precise formation flying for scientific observations.

• Stacked Configuration: The unique stacked deployment will optimize orbital insertion.

Statement from ISRO

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) highlighted the significance of the mission:
"Liftoff Day is Here! PSLV-C59, showcasing the proven expertise of ISRO, is ready to deliver ESA’s PROBA-3 satellites into orbit. This mission, powered by NSIL with ISRO’s engineering excellence, reflects the strength of international collaboration. A proud milestone in India’s space journey and a shining example of global partnerships. Liftoff: 4th Dec 2024, 16:08 IST. Location: SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota. Join NSIL, ISRO, and ESA as history unfolds!"

Importance of the PROBA-3 Mission

Strengthening Global Space Partnerships

The PROBA-3 mission underlines India's growing role in international space collaborations, demonstrating ISRO's capability to handle complex projects with global stakeholders like ESA.

Pioneering Technological Demonstrations

This mission will serve as a platform to test precision formation flying, which has potential applications in astronomical research and Earth observation.

India's Contribution to Space Exploration

With decades of experience, ISRO has consistently showcased its engineering and scientific expertise, as evidenced by the trusted performance of its PSLV. Collaborative missions like PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 reinforce India’s reputation as a reliable partner in the global space industry.

ISRO latest Missions 2024

ISRO has an ambitious calendar for 2024, with several significant missions planned across various domains of space exploration and technology:

1. Gaganyaan Mission: This is India's first human spaceflight program. It involves a series of tests, including crewless missions with the Human-Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3), and aims to eventually send a three-member crew into orbit, making India the fourth nation to achieve this feat

2. NISAR Satellite: In collaboration with NASA, this mission will launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR). The satellite will provide high-resolution radar images to study Earth's processes, including natural hazards and ecosystem changes. The launch is scheduled for early 2024

3. SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment): This mission will test autonomous docking and rendezvous technologies, critical for future in-orbit satellite servicing and human spaceflight. It involves two satellites, one equipped with a robotic arm, and is slated for launch in late 2024

4. Mangalyaan-2 (Mars Orbiter Mission 2): Following the success of Mangalyaan-1, this mission aims to study Mars' atmosphere and surface. The launch is expected in 2024.

5. Shukrayaan-1 (Venus Mission): This mission, likely to launch in late 2024 or early 2025, will study Venus’ atmosphere, marking ISRO’s growing planetary exploration capabilities

6. XPoSat: Already launched in early 2024, this mission studies the polarimetry of X-rays emitted by astronomical phenomena like black holes and neutron stars.

7. Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Trials: ISRO plans additional autonomous runway landing trials to advance its reusable space transportation systems

In addition, ISRO has planned multiple launches involving Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLVs), and commercial ventures with the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LMV-3). These efforts underline ISRO's commitment to advancing space technology for scientific, commercial, and societal benefits.

Conclusion

ISRO's mission lineup for 2024 underscores its pivotal role in advancing India's space exploration capabilities. From groundbreaking human spaceflight programs like Gaganyaan to the international collaborations in NISAR and the ambitious planetary exploration missions like Mangalyaan-2 and Shukrayaan-1, ISRO continues to push boundaries. These missions reflect a strategic blend of technological innovation, scientific inquiry, and international cooperation.

As ISRO ventures into new frontiers such as reusable launch vehicles and space docking experiments, its 2024 agenda promises to strengthen India's position as a leading player in the global space sector. These efforts not only showcase ISRO's technical expertise but also emphasize its commitment to leveraging space technology for humanity's benefit, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and dreamers.