PSLV-C59 vehicle carried Proba-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit as a dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

• It was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota
• It is ESA’s first launch from India since Proba-1 mission in 2001.
• Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is the third generation launch vehicle. 
  • It is a four-stage vehicle, with multiple satellite launch capability and multiple orbit capability.

Proba-3 Mission

• An In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) mission.
• Aim: Observe the Sun’s corona through an innovative satellite formation flight.
• World’s first precision formation-flying mission.
  • In it, two satellites will fly together, maintaining a fixed configuration.
    • Focus of formation flying is to maintain a targeted orbit configuration. 
  • Consists of Coronagraph Spacecraft (CSC) and Occulter Spacecraft (OSC)

Benefits of Commercial Space Launches for India 

• Increasing share in global Space economy: Currently,India constitutes 2-3% of the total.
• Revenue Generation: India generated over $279 million in revenue from the launch of foreign satellites. (as of 2022)
• Soft Power: Commercial satellite launches are considered a form of soft power.
  • It can be leveraged in the geo-political sphere by fostering strong diplomatic ties.
• Other: May facilitate Technology transfer etc.