Satellites from Sriharikota will be launched as part of the PROBA-3 mission by ISRO

Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), India — The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the highly anticipated launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C59, tasked with carrying the PROBA-3 mission into space. The launch is planned for Wednesday, December 4 at 16:08 IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The PSLV-C59 will carry satellites weighing about 550 kg into a highly elliptical orbit as part of this ambitious mission. The European Space Agency (ESA) is leading a groundbreaking “In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD)” program with the PROBA-3 mission. It showcases a remarkable collaboration between India’s space agency ISRO, ESA, and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), highlighting the global spirit of partnership in space exploration.

In a post shared on X, ISRO expressed its enthusiasm for the launch, stating, “Liftoff Day is Here! PSLV-C59 is prepared to launch ESA’s PROBA-3 satellites into orbit, demonstrating ISRO’s demonstrated expertise. This project demonstrates the potential of global cooperation, driven by NSIL and ISRO’s engineering expertise. A significant turning point in India’s space exploration and a brilliant illustration of international collaborations.

The PROBA-3 mission comprises two spacecraft, the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC), which will be deployed in a “stacked configuration,” with one spacecraft positioned atop the other. This unique configuration is designed to achieve advanced scientific objectives in orbit.

ISRO’s PSLV, known for its reliability and precision, is India’s first launch vehicle equipped with liquid stages. Since its maiden successful launch in October 1994, the PSLV has consistently demonstrated its capability in deploying satellites and payloads to various orbits. The PSLV-C59, weighing around 320 tonnes, will execute a four-stage launch sequence, underscoring its sophisticated engineering and payload capacity.

ISRO highlighted that this mission highlights the value of cooperation with foreign agencies and displays the PSLV’s reliable performance. As a key milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, the PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 mission embodies the excellence of Indian engineering and the power of global teamwork.