The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed the launch of the PSLV-C59 rocket, initially planned for Wednesday, due to an anomaly detected in the PROBA-3 spacecraft. The revised launch schedule is set for Thursday, instead of Wednesday (5.12.2024) at 4:12 PM.
ISRO announced the update on social media, stating, "Due to an anomaly detected in PROBA-3 spacecraft PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 launch rescheduled to tomorrow at 16:12 hours."
The PSLV-C59 mission is a collaborative project between ISRO and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). It aims to deploy PROBA-3, a groundbreaking technology demonstration mission by the European Space Agency (ESA).
Highlights of PROBA-3 Mission PROBA-3 is the world’s first mission focused on precision formation flying. It involves two satellites maintaining a fixed configuration in space, simulating a single rigid structure. This innovative design aims to showcase advanced formation flying and rendezvous technologies.
According to ESA, the mission will conduct a large-scale science experiment by forming a 150-meter-long solar coronagraph using the two satellites. This setup will enable closer observation of the Sun’s corona near its edge, surpassing previous capabilities. Alongside its scientific contributions, the mission will serve as a testbed for precise spacecraft positioning and cutting-edge technologies.
The PROBA-3 mission will function as an orbital laboratory, validating new metrology sensors, control algorithms, and advanced mission control methods. The two satellites, named the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), will maintain a fixed alignment in space while blocking the Sun’s bright disk. This configuration will allow uninterrupted study of the Sun’s faint outer atmosphere.
Launch Details ISRO provided updates on the mission's progress, noting, "Countdown is progressing smoothly as PSLV-C59, an initiative led by NSIL and supported by ISRO's expertise, prepares to launch ESA's PROBA-3 satellites into a highly elliptical orbit."
The PSLV-C59 will undergo multiple stages of ignition and separation to deliver the satellites into orbit. The rocket, with a lift-off mass of approximately 320 tonnes, will deploy the spacecraft in a stacked configuration.
As India's first launch vehicle equipped with liquid stages, the PSLV has played a significant role in satellite deployment since its inaugural launch in 1994. The PSLV-C59 mission marks another milestone in advancing space exploration and international collaboration.
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