# PROBA-3 Occulter

> formation-flying spacecraft of the PROBA-3 mission

**Wikidata**: [Q131540119](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131540119)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/proba-3-occulter

## Summary
The PROBA-3 Occulter is a formation-flying spacecraft designed as part of the PROBA-3 mission, serving as a technology demonstration and research satellite. It was launched on December 5, 2024, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C59) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The spacecraft is part of a highly elliptical orbit mission and is powered by solar cell panels.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Technology demonstration spacecraft and research satellite
- **Mass**: 231 kilograms
- **Launch Date**: December 5, 2024, at 10:34 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C59)
- **Orbit**: Highly elliptical orbit with an apoapsis of 60,606 kilometers and a periapsis of 602 kilometers
- **Operator**: European Space Security and Education Centre
- **Manufacturers**: Sener Aerospace & Defense (general contractor), Redwire Space NV, Airbus Defence and Space
- **Power Source**: Solar cell panel
- **Spacecraft Bus**: PROBA
- **Significant Event**: Launched alongside the PROBA-3 Coronagraph

## FAQs
### Q: What is the PROBA-3 Occulter's primary purpose?
A: The PROBA-3 Occulter is a formation-flying spacecraft designed to demonstrate experimental technologies and conduct scientific research as part of the PROBA-3 mission.

### Q: When and where was the PROBA-3 Occulter launched?
A: The spacecraft was launched on December 5, 2024, at 10:34 UTC from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C59).

### Q: What is the orbital configuration of the PROBA-3 Occulter?
A: The spacecraft operates in a highly elliptical orbit with an apoapsis of 60,606 kilometers and a periapsis of 602 kilometers, with an orbital inclination of 59.2525 degrees.

### Q: Who operates the PROBA-3 Occulter?
A: The spacecraft is operated by the European Space Security and Education Centre.

### Q: What are the key manufacturers involved in the PROBA-3 Occulter?
A: The spacecraft was manufactured by Sener Aerospace & Defense (general contractor), Redwire Space NV, and Airbus Defence and Space.

## Why It Matters
The PROBA-3 Occulter is a critical component of the PROBA-3 mission, which aims to demonstrate formation-flying technologies and conduct scientific research. By operating in a highly elliptical orbit, the spacecraft enables unique observations and experiments that are not possible with traditional satellite configurations. The mission is operated by the European Space Security and Education Centre, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and solar power to achieve its objectives. The PROBA-3 Occulter's successful deployment and operation contribute to the broader field of space technology, advancing our capabilities in scientific research and experimental spacecraft design.

## Notable For
- **First Formation-Flying Demonstration**: The PROBA-3 Occulter is part of the first mission to demonstrate formation-flying technologies in space.
- **Highly Elliptical Orbit**: Its unique orbital configuration allows for extended observation periods and scientific experiments.
- **Solar Powered**: The spacecraft is powered by solar cell panels, demonstrating efficient energy utilization in space.
- **Collaborative Manufacturing**: The spacecraft was manufactured by multiple leading aerospace companies, showcasing international collaboration in space technology.

## Body
### Mission Overview
The PROBA-3 Occulter is a formation-flying spacecraft launched as part of the PROBA-3 mission. It serves as a technology demonstration and research satellite, operating in a highly elliptical orbit. The mission is operated by the European Space Security and Education Centre and was launched on December 5, 2024, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C59).

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 231 kilograms
- **Power Source**: Solar cell panel
- **Orbit**: Highly elliptical with an apoapsis of 60,606 kilometers and a periapsis of 602 kilometers
- **Orbital Inclination**: 59.2525 degrees
- **Orbital Eccentricity**: 0.8112506

### Manufacturing and Launch
- **Manufacturers**: Sener Aerospace & Defense (general contractor), Redwire Space NV, Airbus Defence and Space
- **Launch Date**: December 5, 2024, at 10:34 UTC
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad
- **Launch Vehicle**: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-XL (PSLV-C59)

### Scientific and Technological Significance
The PROBA-3 Occulter is notable for its role in demonstrating formation-flying technologies and conducting scientific research. Its highly elliptical orbit allows for unique observations and experiments that contribute to advancements in space technology. The mission is a collaboration between multiple aerospace companies, highlighting international cooperation in space exploration.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Operations/Proba-3_operations)
2. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Proba_Missions/Proba-3_Frequently_Asked_Questions)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/PSLV_C59_PROBA-3_Mission.html)
5. [Source](https://heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=62256)
6. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/proba-3.htm)
7. [Source](https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Engineering_Technology/Proba_Missions/About_Proba-3)
8. [Source](https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/419)
9. [Source](https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/technology/esa-proba3_media_kit.pdf)