Daily News Analysis

PROBA-3 Mission:

stylish_lining

PROBA-3 Mission:

In News:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch the PROBA-3 mission satellites into orbit with the help of its PSLV-C59 vehicle. This mission is a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and ISRO, with the launch scheduled from Sriharikota, India.

About the PROBA-3 Mission:

PROBA-3, short for Project for Onboard Autonomy, is a significant mission in the field of solar and space science. It is aimed at advancing our understanding of solar phenomena that affect Earth’s satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids.

Scientific Goals of PROBA-3:

  1. Understanding Solar Storms & Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs):

    • The mission's primary goal is to study solar storms and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that can have a significant impact on Earth's space environment, affecting satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids.

    • Solar storms can induce disturbances in the ionosphere and magnetosphere, which can disrupt communication systems, navigation, and earth-based power grids.

  2. Studying Solar Dynamics and Space Weather Phenomena:

    • PROBA-3 will provide critical data to further our understanding of solar dynamics and the phenomena associated with space weather. This includes exploring the behavior of the solar corona, the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere.

  3. Testing New Spacecraft Technologies:

    • The mission is designed to test and validate new spacecraft technologies and autonomous systems in space, advancing the technology required for future space missions, particularly in the field of solar observation and space weather prediction.

  4. Enhancing Solar Science Expertise:

    • This mission enhances scientific expertise in solar science, building on the success of ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission, which aims to study the Sun in greater detail.

Agencies Involved:

  • European Space Agency (ESA):
    ESA leads the mission, responsible for the overall design, development, and management of the spacecraft and scientific objectives.

  • ISRO & NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL):
    ISRO is facilitating the launch of the mission through its PSLV-C59 rocket. The launch will take place from Sriharikota, India. ISRO’s NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) is responsible for supporting commercial aspects of the mission.

Spacecraft Used in the Mission:

The PROBA-3 mission uses two spacecraft working in tandem:

  1. Coronagraph:

    • The Coronagraph spacecraft is designed to study the Sun's corona. The corona is the Sun’s outer atmosphere, and studying it can help scientists better understand solar storms and their impact on Earth.

  2. Occulter:

    • The Occulter spacecraft works alongside the Coronagraph to create an artificial eclipse by blocking the Sun. This allows the Coronagraph to make detailed observations of the solar corona without interference from the Sun’s brightness.

    • This technique mimics a total solar eclipse, allowing scientists to observe the Sun's corona with greater precision and detail.

Key Technologies:

  • Autonomous Operations:
    The PROBA-3 mission is unique in its ability to carry out autonomous operations in space. This includes the ability of the two spacecraft to remain aligned in the proper configuration, as they work together in orbit. This is the first time such a level of precision will be tested in a mission.

  • High-Precision Formation Flying:
    The two spacecraft (Coronagraph and Occulter) will need to maintain a very precise formation flying system, with their relative positioning controlled to within a fraction of a millimeter. This poses a significant technical challenge but is crucial for ensuring the success of the solar observations.

Importance of the PROBA-3 Mission:

  • Space Weather Prediction:
    The data collected from the mission will significantly enhance our ability to predict space weather events, which can have broad implications for satellite communication, navigation systems, and the protection of Earth’s infrastructure from solar activity.

  • Solar Science Advancements:
    The mission will contribute to solar science research, providing insights into solar activity, including solar flares and CMEs, which have the potential to affect technological systems on Earth.

  • Global Collaboration in Space Science:
    The collaboration between ESA and ISRO strengthens international cooperation in space science and technology, particularly in the field of solar observation and space weather monitoring.

Conclusion:

The PROBA-3 mission represents an important step in advancing our understanding of the Sun and space weather. By studying the Sun's corona and testing new spacecraft technologies, this mission will not only improve our ability to predict and mitigate the impact of solar storms but also contribute to global space science efforts. With ISRO's involvement, this mission also highlights India's growing role in international space exploration and collaborative space science research.


 

Israel-US-Iran Conflict

Recently, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically as Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion”, a significant military strike aimed at Iranian nuclear infrastructure and balli
Share It

Philippines President’s Visit to India (2025)

In 2025, during the Philippines President's state visit to India, both nations elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership. The visit reaffirmed the 1952 Treaty of Friends
Share It

India's Participation in the 51st G7 Summit

India participated as an Outreach Country in the 51st G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Canada in 2025. Key Outcomes of the 51st G7 Summit (2025): Kananaskis Wildfire Charter:
Share It

Quit India Movement (QIM)

India commemorates 8th August every year as Quit India Movement Day (also known as August Kranti Diwas) to honor the historic movement that demanded the immediate end of British colonial rule in I
Share It

Union Cabinet Approves National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Sports Policy (NSP) 2025, aiming to address long-standing challenges and transform India into a global sportin
Share It

CIMMYT’s Financial Crisis

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a pivotal institution in the development of agricultural research for maize, wheat, and related crops, is facing significant financia
Share It

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

India's refusal to sign the joint declaration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' meeting in Qingdao, China has been a significant diplomatic development.
Share It

China-Pakistan-Bangladesh Trilateral Meeting

China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh held their first-ever trilateral meeting during the 6th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum.China took the lead in facilitating the dialogue, aiming to boost regiona
Share It

US Imposing Tariffs on India

The US's decision to raise tariffs on India, particularly targeting the continued purchase of Russian oil, has had significant implications for the bilateral trade relationship between the two
Share It

Offshore Wind Energy

As India expands its wind energy capacity, reaching an estimated 51.3 GW by mid-2025, concerns are growing over the environmental impact, particularly on bird populations and marine biodiversity.
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS