(Image source from: x.com/isro)

The European satellite, Proba-3, was successfully launched into space on Thursday from Sriharikota, after being delayed by a day from its scheduled liftoff on December 4 due to a technical issue. Proba-3 is an advanced Sun-observing mission aboard the PSLV-C59, the flagship rocket of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It aims to advance global efforts to understand the economic and technological risks of space weather. The 44.5-meter-tall polar satellite launch vehicle took off impressively from the first launch pad at 4:04 pm. Shortly after liftoff, ISRO confirmed that the two satellites onboard the PSLV rocket of the Proba-3 mission had separated successfully and gone into their designated orbit. ISRO reported that the mission had successfully achieved its launch objectives, deploying the European Space Agency's satellites into their intended orbit with precision, showcasing the trusted performance of PSLV, the collaboration between NSIL (NewSpace India Ltd) and ISRO, and the European Space Agency's innovative goals.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and ISRO have rescheduled the launch of PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 to December 5 at 4:04 pm due to a detected issue with the satellite's propulsion system. The Proba-3 mission consists of two spacecraft that will fly together in precise formation, within a single millimeter, to study the Sun's outer atmosphere, the corona. The mission name "Probas" is a Latin word meaning "let's try." The objective is to demonstrate accurate formation flying, with the "Coronagraph" and "Occulter" spacecraft launching together in a stacked configuration. NSIL, ISRO's commercial arm, has secured the contract from ESA for this launch. ISRO had previously launched the Proba-1 satellite for ESA in 2001.