ESA’s PROBA-3 Mission Set for November 2024 Launch

October 17, 2024

PROBA-3, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), is set to launch in November 2024. It’s a groundbreaking mission involving multiple European countries and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission has passed its final tests and will be sent to India, where ISRO’s PSLV-XL rocket will launch it.

What is PROBA-3?

PROBA-3 is ESA’s first mission focused on precision formation flying. It consists of two satellites working together to simulate a single, long structure in space. The mission will test new technologies for flying satellites in close formation and conduct experiments that involve spacecraft rendezvous.

Scientific Goals

The main goal is to create an artificial eclipse, which will help scientists study the Sun’s corona—the outer part of the Sun’s atmosphere usually hidden by its bright light. This will allow researchers to observe solar events like solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can affect space weather and have an impact on Earth.

Technological Innovations

PROBA-3 will demonstrate highly accurate formation flying. The mission will prove new technologies that help keep the satellites close together and will aim for Technology Readiness Level 9 (TRL 9), which shows the highest level of development. Key innovations include advanced metrology (precision measurement), control systems, and satellite maneuvering.

Difference from Traditional Missions

Unlike older missions that use big, complex spacecraft, PROBA-3 uses smaller, more agile satellites. This approach reduces costs and makes the mission more flexible, allowing for a wider range of scientific discoveries.

Importance of International Collaboration

The mission is an international effort, with contributions from different ESA member countries and ISRO. These partnerships are crucial for tackling the challenges of modern space exploration.

Preparations for Launch

As the launch approaches, detailed testing and simulations are ensuring that the mission will succeed. Scientists are excited about the potential breakthroughs in studying the Sun and understanding space weather.

Impact on Space Weather

Data from PROBA-3 could change how we predict space weather, which is important for protecting satellites and essential infrastructure from solar storms. The mission aims to improve our knowledge of how the Sun affects the solar system.

Technical Features

PROBA-3 uses an occulter satellite to block sunlight, making it easier to observe the corona. The two satellites, called Alpha and Beta, will orbit at different altitudes, with the main instrument being an external coronagraph. Ground stations will support communication and data collection.

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