NEW DELHI: In another boost for India-European space cooperation , Isro is set to launch Proba-3, a key spacecraft of the European Union (EU) for the Sun observation mission, in Dec, space minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Indian Space Conclave 3.0 in the presence of EU ambassador for India and Bhutan Herve Delphin and Isro chairman S Somanath, the minister said, “EU's large orbiter Proba-3 will go to space from Sriharikota (launch centre) in the first week of Dec. This will be the third spacecraft of the Proba series and it will observe the Sun. The earlier two satellites were launched for earth observation.”
“Space scientists from Isro and the European Union are going to jointly observe the Sun's atmosphere,” Singh said.
The Proba-3 mission includes two satellites that will work together to create a 144-metre-long instrument known as a solar coronagraph . This will help scientists to study the Sun's corona which is difficult to observe due to the brightness of the solar disk. The ‘world's first precision formation flying mission’ will enable scientists to study the Sun's elusive corona with unprecedented proximity and detail.
The EU’s Sun mission comes after Isro launched its indigenous Sun mission Aditya L1 last Sept, where a solar observatory was sent to Lagrangian point L1 to study the Sun’s corona and observe the dynamics of its chromosphere.
Speaking at the conclave, Delphin said, “India and the EU are natural partners in space, both aiming for strategic autonomy in navigation, Earth observation, and communication technologies. With a shared vision for peaceful space use, we see immense potential for joint projects in climate monitoring, cybersecurity, and exploration.”
“This vision includes enhancing space governance, with a focus on areas like space traffic and debris management to prevent collisions and support long-term usage. Space diplomacy is crucial as well, and the EU seeks deeper collaboration with India through forums like the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, fostering responsible practices and preventing destabilising actions, such as anti-satellite tests,” the EU ambassador said.
Expanding on India’s upcoming Moon mission, Isro chief Somanath said, “Our goal of landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040 underscores our dedication to human space exploration and serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation. This mission not only expands our technical prowess but also fosters growth across high-tech industries like electronics and bio-pharmaceuticals. To achieve this, large-scale investment from both the govt and private sector is essential, signalling India's readiness to be a globally competitive, independent force in space.”
Indian Space Association chairman Jayant Patil said, “India's space sector has transformed into an engine of economic growth and innovation, fuelled by Isro's unparalleled efficiency and the collaborative spirit with our dynamic startups. With every rupee invested returning over 2.5 times to our economy, and over $60 billion added to GDP in the last decade, this sector is driving significant technological advancement and job creation.”
Speaking at the Indian Space Conclave 3.0 in the presence of EU ambassador for India and Bhutan Herve Delphin and Isro chairman S Somanath, the minister said, “EU's large orbiter Proba-3 will go to space from Sriharikota (launch centre) in the first week of Dec. This will be the third spacecraft of the Proba series and it will observe the Sun. The earlier two satellites were launched for earth observation.”
“Space scientists from Isro and the European Union are going to jointly observe the Sun's atmosphere,” Singh said.
The Proba-3 mission includes two satellites that will work together to create a 144-metre-long instrument known as a solar coronagraph . This will help scientists to study the Sun's corona which is difficult to observe due to the brightness of the solar disk. The ‘world's first precision formation flying mission’ will enable scientists to study the Sun's elusive corona with unprecedented proximity and detail.
The EU’s Sun mission comes after Isro launched its indigenous Sun mission Aditya L1 last Sept, where a solar observatory was sent to Lagrangian point L1 to study the Sun’s corona and observe the dynamics of its chromosphere.
Speaking at the conclave, Delphin said, “India and the EU are natural partners in space, both aiming for strategic autonomy in navigation, Earth observation, and communication technologies. With a shared vision for peaceful space use, we see immense potential for joint projects in climate monitoring, cybersecurity, and exploration.”
“This vision includes enhancing space governance, with a focus on areas like space traffic and debris management to prevent collisions and support long-term usage. Space diplomacy is crucial as well, and the EU seeks deeper collaboration with India through forums like the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, fostering responsible practices and preventing destabilising actions, such as anti-satellite tests,” the EU ambassador said.
Expanding on India’s upcoming Moon mission, Isro chief Somanath said, “Our goal of landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040 underscores our dedication to human space exploration and serves as a powerful inspiration for the next generation. This mission not only expands our technical prowess but also fosters growth across high-tech industries like electronics and bio-pharmaceuticals. To achieve this, large-scale investment from both the govt and private sector is essential, signalling India's readiness to be a globally competitive, independent force in space.”
Indian Space Association chairman Jayant Patil said, “India's space sector has transformed into an engine of economic growth and innovation, fuelled by Isro's unparalleled efficiency and the collaborative spirit with our dynamic startups. With every rupee invested returning over 2.5 times to our economy, and over $60 billion added to GDP in the last decade, this sector is driving significant technological advancement and job creation.”
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