ISRO to Launch EU's Proba-3 Satellite in December, Aims for Bold Space Milestones

In a significant advancement for India’s space sector, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the European Union’s Proba-3 Solar Observation Mission in December from Sriharikota. The satellite, arriving at Sriharikota, is designed to study the Sun’s faint corona, a crucial aspect of solar science. This marks India’s third collaboration with the EU in space, following the earlier launches of Proba-1 and Proba-2.

The mission, launched aboard the PSLV-XL rocket, reflects India’s growing role in global space exploration and scientific research. Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted ISRO’s expanding capabilities in space missions, emphasizing the country’s aim to achieve remarkable goals like landing the first Indian on the Moon by 2040 and establishing the Indian Space Station (Bharatiya Antariksha Station, BAS) by 2035.

Proba-3 Solar Mission: Key Highlights

The Proba-3 satellite will offer valuable data on solar corona dynamics, enhancing solar science knowledge. It represents India’s collaboration with the EU for advanced space exploration, building on past successes like the Chandrayaan-3 mission and earlier Proba satellite launches.

Ambitious Goals: India’s Space Vision by 2040

India aims to make a massive leap in space exploration, targeting milestones such as sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2040 and establishing BAS by 2035. These ambitious goals highlight India’s determination to expand its space leadership and increase its contribution to the global space economy from 2% to 10%.

ISRO’s Vision for Self-Reliance in Space Innovation

ISRO is focused on achieving “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in space technology through strategic policies, investments, and collaborations. ISRO Chairman S Somanath emphasized the challenges in space exploration, including building and launching large platforms, while stressing the need for industry participation and investment.

Future Space Economy: Collaboration and Growth

The space sector is projected to play a significant role in India’s economic growth, with space investments yielding high returns. With a ₹1,000-crore venture capital fund supporting space startups, India is on track to lead the space innovation race, creating competitive space companies that can thrive in the global market.

EU-India Space Collaboration: A Strong Partnership

EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin underlined the strong partnership between India and the EU, with shared goals of peaceful space use and strategic autonomy. The collaboration aims to enhance joint projects in climate monitoring, cybersecurity, and exploration, ensuring mutual growth and fostering responsible space practices.

Here’s a table summarizing key points

Why in News	Key Points
ISRO to launch European Union’s Proba-3 Solar Observation Mission in December 2024	ISRO will launch Proba-3 satellite to observe the Sun’s corona, marking India’s third collaboration with the EU in space.
Proba-3 satellite launch details	Proba-3 to be launched from Sriharikota aboard PSLV-XL rocket.
ISRO’s space goals	India aims to send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040 and establish the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035.
Government’s contribution to space economy	India targets increasing its contribution to the global space economy from 2% to 10%.
ISRO’s vision for space innovation	ISRO is focused on becoming self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) in space technology through strategic policies and partnerships.
ISRO Chairman: Challenges in the space sector	ISRO faces high costs and technological risks in building and launching large platforms and rockets.
European Union’s space partnership with India	India and the EU are working together in space exploration, focusing on joint projects for climate monitoring, cybersecurity, and space exploration.
ISRO’s past collaborations with the EU	ISRO has previously supported Proba-1 and Proba-2 satellites for the EU.
ISRO’s space leadership and industry growth	ISRO’s growing capabilities are supported by government policies, with a ₹1,000-crore venture fund for space startups.
EU Ambassador to India: Future collaboration goals	The EU seeks deeper collaboration with India through forums like the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.