Proba-3 Mission

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The Proba-3 mission is a joint space initiative between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), aiming to study the Sun's corona. It will be launched from India using ISRO's PSLV rocket. The mission's primary objective is to perform precision formation flying in space, enabling the creation of an artificial solar eclipse for in-depth observation of the Sun’s outer atmosphere, which is difficult to study directly due to its intense brightness.

Objectives and Scientific Importance

Studying the Solar Corona

The solar corona is the outermost layer of the Sun, with temperatures reaching up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit. Due to its extreme heat, it is challenging to observe using traditional methods. Studying the corona is vital for understanding space weather phenomena such as solar storms and solar winds, which can affect satellite communications, GPS systems, and even power grids on Earth. The Proba-3 mission aims to provide a clearer picture of the Sun's influence on Earth's space environment.

Artificial Solar Eclipse

The mission will deploy two spacecraft: the Occulter Spacecraft and the Coronagraph Spacecraft. These will launch together but separate, flying in precise formation to block the Sun’s bright light and create an artificial eclipse. This allows scientists to study the corona in greater detail, a feat not achievable with natural solar eclipses. Proba-3’s ability to maintain this formation for extended periods makes it a unique scientific endeavor.

Extended Observation

Natural solar eclipses allow for only a brief observation period of about 10 minutes. In contrast, the Proba-3 mission will enable six hours of continuous observation annually. This extended observation time will significantly enhance our understanding of the solar corona, providing more data than 50 natural solar eclipses each year.

Instruments on Proba-3

The mission is equipped with advanced instruments for detailed solar observations:

• ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun): A coronagraph that provides a clear view of the Sun's outer corona, using an occulting disk to block sunlight.
• DARA (Digital Absolute Radiometer): Measures the Sun’s total energy output continuously.
• 3DEES (3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer): Monitors electron fluxes in Earth's radiation belts, contributing to space weather studies.

Benefits for India

Technological Collaboration

The Proba-3 mission highlights ISRO's technological capabilities in providing reliable and cost-effective space missions. ISRO’s role in launching this mission underscores its growing presence in global space research.

Scientific Collaboration

Indian scientists, particularly in the field of solar physics, will benefit from exclusive access to mission data. The collaboration also extends to India’s own solar mission, Aditya-L1, which will provide insights into space weather phenomena. The partnership with ESA on Proba-3 strengthens India’s role in international space exploration.