ESA's Proba-3 mission aims to revolutionize the observation of the solar corona, the outer layer of the Sun, which is essential for understanding solar winds and storms.

A significant aspect of the instrument is its double disc design, with a primary occulting disc measuring 1.4 meters in diameter and a smaller disc of 3.5 mm to reduce stray light interference.

The alignment of the Proba-3 instruments allows for a coronal field of view starting at just 1.1 solar radii, significantly closer than conventional coronagraphs that begin at 2.5 solar radii.

Historically, the corona has been observed using coronagraphs, but ground-based instruments face limitations due to diffraction, which Proba-3 addresses by separating the Sun-blocking disc from the observing telescope.

The design of Proba-3 has evolved over two decades, learning from past missions like Apollo-Soyuz, which struggled with glare from spacecraft.

This mission will enhance our knowledge of solar dynamics, particularly the mechanisms behind coronal mass ejections and solar wind.

After a four-month commissioning phase, Proba-3 plans to conduct two six-hour observational periods each week, capturing detailed solar events with rapid imaging every 30 seconds.

Proba-3's ASPIICS instrument features a dual-disc system designed to minimize stray light, with the primary occulting disc made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

Moving the occulter further away from the telescope minimizes diffraction effects, similar to how the Moon's distance from Earth provides a clear view during eclipses.

By positioning the occulter and telescope 150 meters apart, Proba-3 achieves high clarity in observations, allowing scientists to view the corona much closer to the Sun than previously possible.

Proba-3 incorporates formation flying, with the occulter on a separate spacecraft, enhancing observational capabilities beyond previous designs.

This virtual telescope will enable observations from just 1.1 solar radii, greatly improving upon traditional coronagraph capabilities.