To boost Indo-European space collaboration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is set to launch Proba-3, the European Union’s (EU) flagship spacecraft for Sun observation, in early December, as announced by Union Space Minister Jitendra Singh. Speaking at the Indian Space Conclave 3.0, Singh confirmed that the Proba-3 spacecraft, developed by the EU, will lift off from Isro’s Sriharikota launch center. The event saw the presence of prominent dignitaries, including EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, and Isro Chairman S Somanath.
‘Proba-3, the EU’s large orbiter, will launch in the first week of December,’ Singh stated.
‘This third spacecraft in the Proba series marks a pivotal advancement, dedicated to observing the Sun’s outer layer, the corona. The two previous Proba satellites focused on Earth observation.’ The mission features two satellites operating in precise formation, 144 meters apart, to form a solar coronagraph—an instrument that blocks out the Sun’s bright disk to reveal the fainter corona. This world-first mission in precision formation flying will enable unprecedented insights into the Sun’s elusive corona, a region crucial for understanding solar dynamics and space weather.
Singh highlighted the collaborative spirit between Isro and the European space agency, remarking that Indian and European scientists will jointly observe the Sun’s atmosphere. This mission follows Isro’s indigenous Sun observatory Aditya-L1, launched in September, which stationed a satellite at Lagrangian point L1 to study the corona and chromosphere.
Ambassador Delphin, speaking at the conclave, emphasized the alignment of India and the EU’s strategic goals in space technology. ‘India and the EU are natural partners in space, both aiming for strategic autonomy in navigation, Earth observation, and communication technologies,” Delphin said. “We see immense potential for joint projects, especially in areas such as climate monitoring, cybersecurity, and space exploration.’
The Proba-3 launch marks a milestone in India-EU space cooperation, underscoring both regions’ commitment to advancing scientific exploration and strengthening technological capabilities. This collaboration is anticipated to pave the way for further joint initiatives in the fields of space science and innovation, further bolstering the partnership in frontier technologies.
