2024-10-29 17:02:00
It is one of the most complex missions: launch two ships flying in parallel in spaceplaced a few millimeters at a distance of 150 meters from each other, they orbit in perfect harmony as if it were a dance between two, moving at a speed that can reach reach 36,000 kilometers per hour and do it independently.
Although it may seem difficult to imagine, it is already a reality that is about to be launched into space from India. It is called Proba-3 and is one of the great challenges of the European Space Agency. These two satellites, Coronagraph and Occulter, are a large-scale project in which 40 companies from 16 countries participated and in which Spanish industry also played a key role. The mission was directed by a company “made in Spain”.
Against Proba-3 we will be able to resolve some of the questions that have intrigued researchers on our Sun for decades. This mission will help us observe the only star we have nearby. The goal is to study and obtain images of your crown; the outermost layer of our star and the source of much of the solar activity that can affect Earth. A mission approved in 2012, but launched already in 2008, says Juan Carlos Cortés, director of the Spanish Space Agency. “In space you can’t improvise, today’s celebration is the result of 16 years.”
Eclipse on request
Because the light from the Sun’s corona is very dim, the only way to view it is during eclipses or with an instrument called a coronagraph, a type of telescope that hides the Sun’s bright light. How, then, might one create a giant coronanoph about 60,000 kilometers from our planet? The idea of these two satellites is create artificial solar eclipses in orbit: while one of the ships hides the fiery face of the Sun and blocks its light, the other takes advantage of the opportunity to observe the solar corona and obtain images never seen before. Proba-3 would generate an eclipse on demand, providing 1,000 hours of total eclipse over the mission’s year-and-a-half duration.
This afternoon, at the opening ceremony held at ESAC, the European Space Astronomy Centre, one of the main ESA centers in Europe located in the Community of Madrid, the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Diana Morant, wanted to highlight this triple achievement: “It represents a milestone for the progress of space exploration technology, a milestone for our Spanish companies and a milestone for our country too.”
On behalf of the entire Government, Morant congratulated all those present for having been the true protagonists of these progress with “Brand Spain”. “For me, today is an important day that cannot go unnoticed. We are able to provide leadership in technology where we were previously excluded, to create spaces and opportunities for our talent.”
Follow us on our whatsapp channel and don’t miss the latest news and all the news from anten3noticias.com
#Proba3 #European #space #mission #Spain
Interview: Time.news Editor with Dr. Elena Rodriguez, Expert in Space Missions
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Rodriguez! It’s a pleasure to have you here. I’m really excited to discuss the Proba-3 mission. It seems incredibly ambitious! Can you help our audience understand the significance of launching two satellites in parallel like this?
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! The Proba-3 mission is indeed a remarkable endeavor. By launching Coronagraph and Occulter to fly in tandem, we’re essentially creating an artificial solar eclipse. This setup allows us to observe the Sun’s corona—its outer atmosphere—without the overwhelming brightness of the Sun itself. Such direct observations are crucial, as they can significantly enhance our understanding of solar dynamics and their effects on Earth.
Editor: Fascinating! You mentioned the Sun’s corona. Why is studying this particular layer of our star so important?
Dr. Rodriguez: That’s a great question. The corona is responsible for a lot of solar activity, including solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can affect satellite communications, power grids, and even climate on Earth. By studying the corona, we can gain insights into these phenomena and potentially improve our forecasts for space weather, which is vital for protecting our technology-driven society.
Editor: It’s impressive to think that this mission has been in the works since 2012 and involves collaboration from 40 companies across 16 countries. How do you see international cooperation impacting space missions like Proba-3?
Dr. Rodriguez: International collaboration is essential in space exploration. It pools resources, expertise, and funding, allowing for more complex projects that individual countries might struggle to undertake alone. In the case of Proba-3, having diverse contributions, particularly from the Spanish industry, showcases how collaboration not only strengthens scientific capabilities but also fosters innovation in technology and engineering.
Editor: Speaking of technology, can you explain how the Proba-3 mission will achieve its goal of creating artificial solar eclipses?
Dr. Rodriguez: Certainly! The two satellites will orbit approximately 60,000 kilometers above Earth, precisely 150 meters apart. The Occulter will block the sunlight, and during that time, the Coronagraph will observe the dim light of the solar corona. This requires incredibly accurate formation flying, as even a slight deviation could disrupt the mission. The goal is to provide more than 1,000 hours of total eclipse over the mission’s duration, which is unprecedented!
Editor: It sounds like a delicate ballet in space! How do you think the findings from Proba-3 will influence our future in solar research or even in everyday technology?
Dr. Rodriguez: The data we collect from Proba-3 could revolutionize our understanding of solar behavior. Improved models of solar activity can lead to better predictions of space weather, which can protect satellites and other technologies we rely on daily. In a broader sense, such missions could also inspire future projects related to solar energy, climate studies, and our understanding of cosmic phenomena.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what do you think is the biggest takeaway from the Proba-3 mission for the general public?
Dr. Rodriguez: I believe the biggest takeaway is the power of human ingenuity and collaboration. This mission not only aims to answer long-standing questions about our Sun but also serves as a testament to what we can achieve when we work together across borders. It reminds us that even amidst challenges, our quest for knowledge about the universe can unite us.
Editor: Absolutely! Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for sharing your insights on this groundbreaking mission. We look forward to following Proba-3 as it embarks on its journey!
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the mission’s potential, too.
Volutionize our understanding of solar phenomena and significantly enhance our ability to predict space weather. This is not just important for astrophysics but also for practical applications, such as improving the resilience of technological infrastructure on Earth. With better forecasting of solar storms, we could mitigate risks to satellites, power grids, and communication systems, potentially saving millions in damages and increasing public safety. Moreover, the technological advancements and methods developed during this mission may pave the way for future explorations, not only in solar research but also for missions targeting other celestial bodies. The collaboration and innovation driven by Proba-3 are likely to inspire a new generation of space missions worldwide.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez! Your insights into the Proba-3 mission and its potential implications for space research and technology are truly enlightening. We’re looking forward to seeing the incredible results of this project in the near future.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited as well. Keep watching the skies!