PSLV-C59 vehicle carried Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as a dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
- It was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota
- It is ESA’s first launch from India since Proba-1 mission in 2001.
- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third generation launch vehicle.
- It is a four-stage vehicle, with multiple satellite launch capability and multiple orbit capability.
Proba-3 Mission
- An In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission.
- Aim: Observe the Sun’s corona through an innovative satellite formation flight.
- World’s first precision formation-flying mission.
- In it, two satellites will fly together, maintaining a fixed configuration.
- Focus of formation flying is to maintain a targeted orbit configuration.
- Consists of Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)
- In it, two satellites will fly together, maintaining a fixed configuration.
Benefits of Commercial Space Launches for India
- Increasing share in global Space economy: Currently,India constitutes 2-3% of the total.
- Revenue Generation: India generated over $279 million in revenue from the launch of foreign satellites. (as of 2022)
- Soft Power: Commercial satellite launches are considered a form of soft power.
- It can be leveraged in the geo-political sphere by fostering strong diplomatic ties.
- Other: May facilitate Technology transfer etc.
About NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
Key Initiatives facilitating India’s Commercial Launch Capability
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