Thu Dec 05 17:28:02 UTC 2024: ## ISRO to Launch PSLV-C59 Rocket Carrying European Space Agency’s Proba-3 Mission

**Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:** The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the PSLV-C59 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota, Nellore district, on Wednesday at 4:08 PM IST. Before the launch, the ISRO team visited the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, seeking blessings for the mission. The team presented a model of the rocket to the deity.

PSLV-C59 will carry the Proba-3 mission, a collaborative project with the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission involves deploying two satellites, the Occulter Satellite (OSC) and the Coronagraph Satellite (CSC), into a geostationary orbit approximately 60,000 kilometers above Earth. These satellites, weighing a total of 550 kg, will be placed in a single line formation. The four-stage rocket will carry a total payload of 320 tonnes. This launch marks the 61st PSLV mission for ISRO.

Scientists are optimistic that the successful launch of Proba-3 will pave the way for more international collaborations and future satellite launches by ISRO. The countdown for the launch commenced on Tuesday at 2:38 PM IST.

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