What Is PROBA-3, European Space Agency's Satellite That ISRO Successfully Put In Orbit? See Stunning Launch Pics

Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

European Space Agency

PROBA-3 is a European Space Agency solar mission consisting of two independently stabilised spacecraft. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Solar Coronagraph

Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter) The mission aims to create a 150-metre-long solar coronagraph to study the Sun's corona with unprecedented precision.

Coronagraph Spacecraft

The Coronagraph Spacecraft (310 kg) and Occulter Spacecraft (240 kg) will maintain formation to millimetre and arc-second accuracy. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Both Will Orbit The Earth

Both satellites will orbit Earth in a highly elliptical path, with an apogee of 60,500 kilometres. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Formation Flying

The mission will demonstrate autonomous formation flying without ground guidance, creating a virtual giant satellite. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter) PROBA-3 will image the Sun's corona in full electromagnetic spectrum, including visible, UV, and IR light, at 1.1 solar radii.

Safety And Other Tests

Safety tests, including collision manoeuvre checks, will be conducted before the satellites enter their operational orbit. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

May Be Helpful For Mars

The mission could provide technology insights for future Mars sample return missions and satellite de-orbiting strategies. Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)

Congrats to the team of ISRO scientists on managing to pull this off! Credits: X (Formerly, Twitter)