Proba-3 is an ambitious mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) focused on examining the Sun’s corona, which is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere. This mission is comprised of two satellites—Occulter and Coronagraph—that will operate in a meticulously coordinated formation. This formation will allow them to block the Sun's light effectively, facilitating a detailed and unobstructed study of the corona.
The uniqueness of Proba-3 lies in its advanced formation flying technique. The two satellites are designed to maintain a separation of just a few millimeters while they orbit at a distance of 150 meters from one another. This precise arrangement ensures accurate shadow casting, which is crucial for observing the corona beneath the bright light of the Sun.
Proba-3's primary focus will be the Sun’s corona and solar storms, along with their implications for space weather. Additionally, it will investigate various phenomena including the Sun's magnetic field and the radiation of charged particles. This research is crucial for enhancing our understanding of solar dynamics and their effects on the solar system.
“Exploration of the unknown leads to a future illuminated by knowledge.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of missions like Proba-3, which promise to expand our horizons in space science and offer invaluable insights into the workings of our solar system.
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