Current Context : Recently, ISRO launches PSLV-C59 rocket with European Space Agency’s Proba-3 satellites.
- Mission: Carried European Space Agency’s Proba-3 satellites to a highly elliptical orbit.
- Operator: Dedicated commercial mission by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
- Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Significance:
- ESA’s first launch from India since 2001 (Proba-1 mission).
- PSLV: A four-stage vehicle with capabilities for multiple satellite launches into various orbits.
Proba-3 Mission :
- Purpose: Demonstrate precision formation flying to observe the Sun’s corona.
- Uniqueness: World’s first precision formation-flying mission with two satellites maintaining a fixed configuration.
- Components:
- Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC).
- Occulter Spacecraft (OSC).
About NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
- Established: 2019 under the Department of Space.
- Role:
- Manage ISRO’s commercial activities.
- Enable Indian industries in high-tech space projects.
- Allow ISRO to focus on advanced research and development.