SRIHARIKOTA, (Andhra Pradesh), Dec 5:
ISRO on Thursday successfully launched the Proba-3 mission onboard a PSLV-C59 rocket, a solar experiment undertaken by the European Space Agency.
Around 18 minutes after lift-off, the two satellites were placed into the ‘right orbit’, said ISRO Chairman S Somanath.
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The Proba-3 (Project for Onboard Autonomy) mission consists of twin satellites in which two spacecraft (placed inside the satellites) would fly together as one, maintaining a precise formation down to a single milli-metre to study the Sun’s outer atmosphere.
Addressing the scientists at the Mission Control Centre after the launch, Somanath said, “The satellites have been placed in the right orbit which is a very high elliptical orbit of almost 600 km perigee, that is the closest point to the Earth and 60,000 km at its apogee, that is the farthest point with an inclination of 59 degree.”
“It (The mission) has been precisely achieved in the 61st mission (of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). So, congratulations to the entire PSLV project team as well as the Proba-3 team. We wish all the very best to Proba-3 team for their further operations and in achieving the mission goals,” he said.
Earlier, in a social media post, ISRO said, “Mission success. The PSLV-C59-Proba-3 mission has successfully achieved its launch objectives, deploying ESA satellites into their designated orbit with precision. A testament to the trusted performance of PSLV, the collaboration of NSIL and ISRO and ESA’s innovative goals.”
“The PSLV-C59-Proba-3 mission reflects the dedication of NSIL, ISRO and ESA teams. This achievement highlights India’s critical role in enabling global space innovation. Together we continue building bridges in international space collaboration” ISRO added. (PTI)
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