Reportedly the european satellite, Proba-3, successfully launched into space on thursday from Sriharikota, delayed by a day from its scheduled lift-off on december 4 due to a technical snag. Proba-3 is a cutting-edge Sun-observing mission aboard the PSLV-C59, the flagship rocket of the indian space research organisation (ISRO). It aims to advance global efforts to understand the economic and technological risks of space weather.
Perhaps the 44.5 metre tall polar satellite launch vehicle blasted off majestically from the first launch pad at the latest time at 4.04 pm. Soon after lift-off, isro said the two satellites onboard the PSLV rocket of Proba-3 mission have separated successfully and gone into their designated orbit. isro said The PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 Mission has successfully achieved its launch objectives, deploying ESA’s satellites into their designated orbit with precision. A testament to the trusted performance of PSLV, the collaboration of NSIL (NewSpace india Ltd) and isro, and ESA’s (European Space Agency) innovative goals”.
Previously the space agency said its revised 8.5-hour countdown for the launch of the Proba-3 mission was “progressing smoothly". The launch was originally planned at 4.08 pm on wednesday (December 4). But, minutes before the lift-off, following the request from the european Space Agency (ESA), isro rescheduled the launch of PSLV-C59/PROBA-3 to december 5, 4.04 pm. An anomaly was detected in the satellite propulsion system. NewSpace india Ltd (NSIL), the commercial arm of isro has bagged the order from the ESA for the launch. Prior to this launch, isro had successfully launched the Proba-1 rocket by the ESA in 2001.
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