The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has rescheduled the launch of the PSLV-C59 mission, which will carry the European Space Agency’s (ESA) PROBA-3 spacecraft. Originally set for December 4, the launch has now been rescheduled to December 5, 2024, at 4:04 PM IST. The delay was caused by an anomaly detected in the spacecraft.

The PSLV-C59 rocket will deploy the PROBA-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit, marking a significant milestone in space exploration. This mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and it is designed to demonstrate precision formation-flying technology. The spacecraft’s key objective is to study the Sun’s corona using a unique virtual coronagraph formed by two satellites flying together in space.

PROBA-3 will be the world’s first precision formation-flying mission, demonstrating advanced satellite positioning, rendezvous, and proximity operations in space. It will deploy two satellites that will fly in a fixed formation, simulating a large structure that is approximately 150 meters long. This will create a solar coronagraph, allowing scientists to study the faint outer layer of the Sun like never before.

The mission’s scientific significance is immense, as it will enable detailed observation of the solar corona, which is usually obscured by the Sun's bright surface. By keeping the two satellites aligned at a precise 150-meter distance, the formation will block out the Sun’s bright disk, providing continuous views of the corona for in-depth research.

In addition to its scientific contributions, PROBA-3 will test innovative metrology sensors and control algorithms. These technologies will advance satellite formation flying and mission control, potentially opening up new possibilities for future space missions.

ISRO took to social media to announce the rescheduled launch, saying, “Countdown Commenced! Liftoff Time: 16:04 IST, 5th Dec 2024. Stay tuned as PSLV-C59 prepares to deploy ESA's Proba-3 satellites into orbit.” Earlier in the week, the agency confirmed the launch postponement with an update, confirming the new launch time.

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