February 9, 2025

PSLV-C59 rocket

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.
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