Thu Dec 05 17:07:57 UTC 2024: ## ISRO and ESA Launch World’s First Precision Formation Flying Mission
**Sriharikota, India** – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched PROBA-3, the world’s first precision formation flying mission, today at 4:08 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This ambitious mission involves deploying two satellites, built by ESA, within a precise 150-meter distance of each other.
The PSLV rocket carried the 550-kg payload, comprising two satellites designed to study the Sun’s corona. Once deployed at their designated altitude, the satellites will maintain a specific formation, creating an artificial solar eclipse using coronagraph and occulter instruments. This unique configuration will allow scientists to gather crucial data about the Sun’s corona, furthering understanding of solar phenomena.
The ESA team completed the integration of the satellites into the PSLV and successfully conducted pre-launch rehearsals. The mission is not only a significant scientific endeavor but also a testament to the reliability of the PSLV, enhancing its reputation in the commercial launch sector.
First Piper 