ISRO launches PSLV C-59 carrying ESA’s PROBA-3 from Sriharikota

By  News On Air   Dec 05, 2024

ISRO today successfully launched the PSLV C-59 launch vehicle carrying PROBA 3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It lifted off at 16.04 hours from the first launch pad at the spaceport in Sriharikota Range. After the launch, ISRO on social media platform ‘X’ said, PSLV-C59 has successfully soared into the skies, marking the commencement of a global mission led by NewSpace India Limited, with ISRO’s technical expertise, to deploy European Space Agency’s groundbreaking PROBA-3 satellites.

PROBA 3 is an in-orbit demonstration mission of the European Space Agency. It consists of two spacecraft which will be launched together in a stacked configuration. The mission will demonstrate new technologies for precise satellite positioning, formation flying, acquisition and proximity operations.

The successful launch today marks a significant milestone in commercial ventures engineered by ISRO. Today’s launch demonstrated precisely the formation flying capabilities of ISRO through its technological prowess. PSLV C 59 reached the intended orbit 18 minutes after liftoff and two mini-satellites with a combined weight of 545 kgs were placed 600 kms above Earth. The two satellites will fly in close formation to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as Corona. Proba 3 is the second satellite of the European Space Agency to be launched by the Indian rocket.

NewSpace India Limited is the commercial arm of ISRO.