Isro to launch EU spacecraft Sun from Sriharikota in the first week of December: Minister Jitendra Singh | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Another boost for India-Europe Space CooperationIsro will launch Proba-3, a key European Union (EU) spacecraft for the solar observation mission, in December, Space Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Indian Space Conclave 3.0 in the presence of EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan Herve Delphin and Isro Chairman S Somanath, the minister said, “EU’s large orbiter Proba-3 will launch into space in the first week from Sriharikota (launch centre). go in. of December. This will be the third spacecraft of the Proba series and will observe the sun. The first two satellites were launched for Earth observation.”
“Space scientists from Isro and the European Union will jointly observe the Sun’s atmosphere,” Singh said.
The Proba-3 mission involves two satellites that will work together to create a 144-meter-long instrument known as a solar coronagraph. This will help scientists study the Sun’s corona, which is difficult to observe due to the brightness of the Sun’s disk. The ‘world’s first precision flight mission’ will allow scientists to study the Sun’s elusive corona with unprecedented closeness and detail.
The EU solar mission comes after Isro launched its indigenous solar mission Aditya L1 last September, sending a solar observatory to Lagrangian point L1 to study the Sun’s corona and observe the dynamics of the chromosphere.
Speaking at the conclave, Delphin said: “India and the EU are natural partners in space, both pursuing strategic autonomy in navigation, Earth observation and communications technologies. With a shared vision for peaceful uses of space, we see enormous potential for joint projects in climate monitoring, cybersecurity and exploration.”
“This vision includes improving space management, with a focus on areas such as space traffic and debris management to prevent collisions and support long-term use. Space diplomacy is also crucial, and the EU is committed to deeper cooperation with India through forums such as the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, promoting responsible practices and preventing destabilizing actions such as anti-satellite testing,” the statement said. EU ambassador.
Elaborating on India’s upcoming moon mission, Isro chief Somanath said, “Our goal of landing an Indian on the moon by 2040 underlines our commitment to human space exploration and serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation. This mission not only enhances our technical prowess, but also promotes growth in high-tech industries such as electronics and biopharmaceuticals. To achieve this, large-scale investments from both government and private sectors are essential, signaling India’s willingness to be a globally competitive, independent force in space.”
Jayant Patil, Chairman, Indian Space Association, said, “The Indian space sector has transformed into an engine of economic growth and innovation, fueled by Isro’s unparalleled efficiency and spirit of collaboration with our dynamic startups. With every rupee invested returning more than 2.5 times to our economy, and adding more than $60 billion to GDP in the last decade, this sector is driving significant technological advancement and job creation.”