Daily Current Affairs : 4-December-2024

The Proba-3 mission is an exciting collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Set to launch on December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota, India, the mission will represent a significant milestone in space technology. This essay explores the mission’s objectives, its key features, and the role of India in its success.

About the Proba-3 Mission

Agencies Involved

  • European Space Agency (ESA) is the leading agency responsible for the mission.
  • ISRO will handle the launch through its commercial arm, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL).

Mission Name and Purpose

  • Proba-3 stands for “Project for Onboard Autonomy.”
  • The mission aims to demonstrate high-precision formation flying in space, which involves two spacecraft working together in close proximity.
  • One key goal is to study the Sun’s corona (the outermost layer of the Sun) and understand its effect on space weather.
Key Features of the Proba-3 Mission
  • Two Spacecraft: The mission involves two spacecraft: the Coronagraph and the Occulter, which work in tandem to create artificial solar eclipses for observing the Sun.
  • Formation Flying: The two spacecraft will maintain a precise formation, with a gap as small as a few millimeters between them. This will enable the creation of artificial solar eclipses, allowing scientists to study the Sun’s corona in unprecedented detail.
  • Solar Eclipses on Demand: This ability allows for extended observation periods of solar phenomena that are crucial for understanding the Sun’s impact on Earth’s space environment.
India’s Role in the Proba-3 Mission
  • PSLV-XL Launch Vehicle: ISRO will provide the PSLV-XL, a highly reliable rocket known for its excellent payload capacity.
  • Mission Execution: ISRO will manage the satellite deployment and ensure the smooth execution of the mission.
  • This mission builds on ISRO’s expertise in solar science, following the successful launch of the Aditya-L1 mission, which is also focused on studying the Sun.
Important Points

Proba-3 Mission Overview:

  • A joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
  • Set to launch on December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota, India.

Agencies Involved:

  • ESA leads the mission.
  • ISRO, through NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), will handle the launch.

Mission Name and Objective:

  • Proba-3 stands for “Project for Onboard Autonomy.”
  • Aims to demonstrate high-precision formation flying in space.
  • Focuses on studying the Sun’s corona and understanding its effects on space weather.

Key Features of the Mission:

  • Involves two spacecraft: Coronagraph and Occulter, designed to work together in tandem.
  • Formation Flying: The two spacecraft will maintain a precise distance (millimeter level) to create artificial solar eclipses.
  • Solar Eclipses on Demand: Enables extended observation of solar phenomena.

India’s Role:

  • ISRO will provide the PSLV-XL launch vehicle, known for its reliability and payload capacity.
  • ISRO will manage the deployment and execution of the mission.
  • Builds on ISRO’s solar science expertise, following the Aditya-L1 mission.

Scientific Significance:

  • Advanced study of the solar corona.
  • Better understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth.
Why In News

The Proba-3 mission, a groundbreaking joint venture between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), marks a significant milestone in space technology. Set to launch on December 4, 2024, from Sriharikota, India, this mission will showcase cutting-edge advancements in formation flying and solar research, highlighting the growing global collaboration in space exploration.

MCQs about The Proba-3 Mission
  1. What is the primary objective of the Proba-3 mission?
    A. To explore Mars and its atmosphere
    B. To demonstrate high-precision formation flying in space
    C. To study the Moon’s surface
    D. To develop new space launch vehicles
    Correct Answer: B. To demonstrate high-precision formation flying in space
    Explanation: The Proba-3 mission aims to demonstrate high-precision formation flying in space, specifically using two spacecraft working together to create artificial solar eclipses for scientific observation.
  2. Which agencies are involved in the Proba-3 mission?
    A. NASA and Roscosmos
    B. ESA and ISRO
    C. JAXA and CNSA
    D. NASA and ISRO
    Correct Answer: B. ESA and ISRO
    Explanation: The Proba-3 mission is a joint venture between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), combining their expertise in space technology and solar research.
  3. What role will ISRO play in the Proba-3 mission?
    A. Managing the scientific research onboard the spacecraft
    B. Providing the PSLV-XL launch vehicle and overseeing mission execution
    C. Designing the Coronagraph and Occulter spacecraft
    D. Conducting the solar eclipse observations
    Correct Answer: B. Providing the PSLV-XL launch vehicle and overseeing mission execution
    Explanation: ISRO’s role in the Proba-3 mission includes providing the PSLV-XL launch vehicle and managing the satellite deployment and overall execution of the mission from launch to completion.
  4. What scientific phenomenon will the Proba-3 mission specifically focus on studying?
    A. Earth’s magnetic field
    B. The Sun’s corona and its effect on space weather
    C. The Martian atmosphere
    D. The surface features of Venus
    Correct Answer: B. The Sun’s corona and its effect on space weather
    Explanation: The primary scientific goal of the Proba-3 mission is to study the Sun’s corona (the outer layer of the Sun) and its impact on space weather, which can affect satellite systems and communication on Earth.

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