Dr. Surinder Paul, a former scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has shared groundbreaking insights about ISRO’s upcoming mission to study the Sun. Speaking to the media, Dr. Paul revealed that ISRO is set to launch the PROBA-3 satellites, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at providing detailed analysis of the Sun’s corona and improving weather forecasting capabilities.
The PROBA-3 mission will involve two satellites that will be launched in tandem and positioned at a precise distance from one another. “The satellites will be separated by 150 meters, and the accuracy between their distance will be maintained at sub-centimetre levels,” Dr. Paul explained, highlighting the extraordinary precision required for the mission. This unique configuration allows the satellites to work together in a manner that will facilitate in-depth study of the solar corona, the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere, which is often faint and difficult to observe.
According to Dr. Paul, the mission’s design enables continuous observation for up to six hours per orbit, providing scientists with a wealth of data. “During each orbit, the satellites will be able to collect data for six hours, which will offer a detailed view of the solar corona,” he said. The collected data will not only enhance our understanding of the Sun’s behavior but also contribute to better predicting space weather and its potential impact on Earth.
The PROBA-3 mission represents a significant leap in solar science, with the ability to observe the Sun’s corona in unprecedented detail. This will not only improve our understanding of solar activity but also enable more accurate weather forecasts, as solar phenomena can directly influence Earth’s weather systems, especially in terms of geomagnetic storms and solar radiation.
Dr. Paul emphasized the importance of this mission in enhancing India’s space research capabilities. “This mission is a testament to the growing prowess of ISRO in space science and its ability to handle complex satellite systems that provide vital insights into both our solar system and our planet’s atmospheric conditions,” he added.
The PROBA-3 mission is set to bolster India’s position as a leader in space research, with the potential to revolutionize our understanding of solar dynamics and its influence on Earth’s climate.
