The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the PSLV-C59 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, on December 4, 2024. The mission involves deploying satellites weighing approximately 550 kilograms into a highly elliptical orbit.
This mission carries ESA’s PROBA-3, an In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission showcasing international cooperation. ISRO announced the launch on social media, emphasizing the PSLV-C59’s engineering excellence and its role in strengthening global space partnerships. The liftoff is scheduled for 16:08 IST, marking a significant milestone in India’s space journey.
PROBA-3 comprises two spacecraft—the Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and the Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)—which will be launched in a stacked configuration. Together, they will conduct advanced scientific demonstrations.
The PSLV, ISRO’s reliable workhorse, is designed to transport satellites and payloads into space. Notably, it was India’s first launch vehicle equipped with liquid stages, achieving its first successful mission in October 1994. The PSLV-C59, weighing around 320 tonnes, will ascend through four stages.
ISRO highlighted that this mission underscores PSLV’s trusted precision and demonstrates its ongoing collaboration with international space agencies. The launch reaffirms India’s growing role in the global space industry, fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships.
