The European Space Agency's Proba-3 mission has reached a significant milestone by capturing the first images of the Sun's outer atmosphere, the solar corona. This achievement was made possible by two spacecraft flying in precise formation, creating the world's first artificial solar eclipse in space. By blocking the Sun's bright disk, one satellite allowed the second to capture detailed images of the hidden corona, providing valuable insights into solar activity, space weather, and the Sun's impact on Earth.

Insights from Proba-3 Mission

Proba-3 consists of two spacecraft, the Coronagraph and the Occulter, flying 150 meters apart with exceptional precision. The satellites maintained their alignment within a millimeter for several hours without ground control intervention, thanks to advanced onboard navigation systems. The Occulter projected a perfectly aligned shadow onto the Coronagraph's ASPIICS instrument, enabling detailed study of the solar corona.

• Understanding the Corona

Studying the corona is crucial for analyzing solar wind and coronal mass ejections that can impact Earth's communication, navigation, and power systems. ASPIICS, developed by ESA and a consortium led by Belgium's Centre Spatial de Liège, captures corona images without solar glare, shedding light on the Sun's mysteries.

Key Findings and Future Goals

The mission's successful eclipse observation on the first attempt marked a significant step in solar research. Proba-3's high-resolution images offer new insights into the Sun's temperature paradox and help solve longstanding solar science questions. The spacecraft's autonomous formation flying and advanced technology set a new standard in solar observation.

Transforming Solar Simulation

Proba-3's images revolutionize solar simulations, enhancing research on solar weather. The mission's data feeds into models like COCONUT, part of ESA's Virtual Space Weather Modelling Centre, aiding in predicting and preparing for solar impacts on Earth.

About Proba-3 Mission

Proba-3 is an ESA-led mission involving over 29 companies from 14 countries, with key roles played by Sener, GMV, Airbus Defence and Space, Redwire Space, and Spacebel. Launched on December 5, 2024, from India, Proba-3's achievements in solar observation technology are poised to make significant scientific contributions.