Europe's Proba-3 mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), is set to arrive in India for its launch aboard the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) PSLV-XL rocket. The spacecraft are scheduled to depart from Belgium on November 2, 2024, and will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on December 4, 2024.

Proba-3 consists of two satellites, the Occulter and the Coronagraph, which will work in tandem to create an artificial solar eclipse. This innovative approach allows for unprecedented observations of the Sun's corona, which is typically obscured by the Sun's intense brightness during normal conditions. The mission aims to maintain a precise formation flying configuration, with the two satellites needing to operate with a positional accuracy of just one millimetre—roughly the thickness of a fingernail.

The primary objectives of Proba-3 include:

By blocking out sunlight, the satellites will enable scientists to observe solar phenomena such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections without waiting for natural eclipses.

Data collected from this mission could enhance our understanding of space weather and its effects on Earth, which is crucial for protecting satellites and other infrastructure from solar storms.

Proba-3 will demonstrate advanced technologies in:

This mission marks ESA's first attempt at precision formation flying using smaller, agile satellites rather than larger, more complex spacecraft. This approach not only reduces costs but also increases flexibility for scientific exploration.

The mission will utilize sophisticated control systems and metrology techniques to maintain the necessary formation during orbit.

This launch represents a significant milestone as it is ESA's first mission to be launched from India since the Proba-1 mission in 2001. The logistical challenges encountered during preparation—particularly regarding battery installation—have been resolved, allowing for a smooth transition to the launch phase.

Proba-3 is poised to make substantial contributions to solar science and space technology through its innovative approach and international collaboration between ESA and ISRO.