New Delhi: India will launch European Union’s Solar Observatory Satellite Proba-3 by the first week of December 2024, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced while speaking at the 3rd Indian Space Conclave here today.
The launch will mark another milestone in India’s burgeoning role as a global space leader, Dr Jitendra Singh said, adding that this underscored the deepening partnership between India and the EU in space research and exploration. This will be India’s third such launch for the EU, with previous missions supporting the Proba-1 and Proba-2 satellites. However, this mission is unique in its focus on solar observation.
The Proba-3 satellite, which arrived this morning at pòłSriharikota, is aimed at observing the Sun and reflects a new level of equal collaboration between India and other major space powers. This mission, aimed at observing the Sun, signifies India and the EU’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while reinforcing the reputation of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a trusted partner in international space missions.
Dr Singh explained that Proba-3 will provide valuable insights into solar corona dynamics, adding to ISRO’s portfolio of ambitious scientific ventures, which recently included the groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. “India and Europe are together reaching out to the Sun,” said the Minister, highlighting the symbolism and science of this mission.
In his address, EU Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Herve Delphin, emphasized the significance of the Indo-European partnership in space, describing India as a “cost-effective, dynamic space power of the first order.” Commending India’s achievements, including the recent success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, Mr. Delphin stated that the European Union views India as a natural ally in the realm of space exploration and innovation. He highlighted that both the EU and India are consolidating their roles as influential space powers, sharing a mutual interest in the peaceful use of space and a commitment to tackling pressing global issues, such as climate change and cyber security, through space-based solutions.
Ambassador Delphin also outlined the EU’s ambition to further strengthen this collaboration, proposing joint initiatives in Earth observation, training, and space security, areas where both regions have complementary strengths. He pointed to existing partnerships, like India’s collaboration with the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation program, as a foundation for deeper integration. With plans underway to expand cooperation in space security, Delphin expressed optimism for advancing space governance and responsible practices on a global scale, adding that the upcoming 2025 EU-India Summit in Delhi will serve as a pivotal opportunity to build upon this shared vision.
– global bihari bureau
