Isro PSLV-XL Proba-3 mission: Launch date, time and mission details

The twin spacecraft that arrived in India earlier this month has been integrated and stacked at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota primed for launch.

In Short

• The spacecraft will offer a new view of the Sun's surrounding atmosphere
• Isro will utilise the PSLV-XL configuration
• PSLV has established itself as Isro's workhorse

Indian Space & Research Organisation (Isro), is set to launch the Proba-3 mission aboard the PPSLV-XL launch vehicle.

The twin spacecraft that arrived in India earlier this month has been integrated and stacked at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota primed for launch.

The spacecraft will offer a new view of the Sun's surrounding atmosphere, or corona. A million times fainter but larger in expanse than the Sun itself, the enigmatic corona is the source of space weather and the solar wind, making it crucial for scientists to better understand it and enhance our knowledge of solar dynamics and their implications for Earth.

WHEN WILL ISRO LAUNCH PROBA-3 MISSION?

The Proba-3 mission will lift off aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on December 3 at 4:08 pm IST.

The Proba-3 mission is particularly significant as it represents a collaboration between Isro and the European Space Agency (ESA).

This partnership shows the growing international cooperation in space exploration. The satellites will be separated by approximately 150 meters, allowing them to work together to create an artificial eclipse, which will facilitate detailed observations of the Sun's outer atmosphere.

WHAT IS PSLV-XL?

To launch Proba-3, Isro will utilize the PSLV-XL configuration. This variant of PSLV is known for its enhanced payload capacity due to its extended strap-on boosters, which provide additional thrust during liftoff.

The PSLV-XL can carry payloads of up to 1,800 kg into sun-synchronous orbits. It is 44.4 meters tall and weighs around 320 tons at launch.

The PSLV has established itself as Isro's workhorse since its first successful launch in 1994, delivering numerous satellites into various orbits, including missions to the Moon and Mars.

Its reliability and versatility have made it a preferred choice for both domestic and international satellite launches.

The upcoming Proba-3 mission marks another milestone in Isro's ongoing efforts to advance space technology and contribute valuable data for scientific research.