Space ISRO
WITH 2021’S FIRST LAUNCH, ISRO STEERS NEW AGE OF SPACE REFORMS India’s PSLV-C51 launched the first satellite designed, integrated and operated by Brazil along with 18 co-passenger satellites By Ayushee Chaudhary
Photograph: ISRO
PSLV-C51 lift off
On February 28, 2021, the lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota marked the first launch of 2021 for India’s space agency. This was also the first launch by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Government of India company under Department of Space (DoS) as well as the first launch of a Brazilian Satellite from India. India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C51 successfully launched Amazonia-1 along with 18 co-passenger satellites on Sunday from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. PSLV-C51 lifted off from the first launch pad of SDSC SHAR at 10:24 hours. Following a flight of about 17 minutes, the vehicle injected the Amazonia-1 into its intended orbit and in the succeeding 1 hour 38 minutes, all the 18 co-passenger satellites successfully separated from the PSLV in a predetermined sequence. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Dr K. Sivan congratulated team ISRO for precise injection of Amazonia-1 and 18 co-passenger satellites. Talking about the primary satellite, Amazonia-1, he said, “India and ISRO feel extremely proud and honoured to launch the first satellite designed, integrated and operated by Brazil. Hearty congratulations to the Brazilian team for this achievement.’’
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Amazonia-1 is the optical earth observation satellite of National Institute for Space Research (INPE). In its statement, ISRO highlighted that the satellite is aimed at providing remote sensing data to users for monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory. The sun-synchronous Amazonia-1 can generate images of any part of the world every five days, but will be used mainly to provide remote sensing data in order to monitor deforestation in the Amazon. This mission of ISRO was primarily constructed around sending Brazil’s 637-kg Amazonia-1 satellite into space. Marcos Cesar Pontes, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Brazil also congratulated ISRO team for the successful launch. “Amazonia-1 is an important mission for Brazil which also marks the beginning of a new era for satellite development in the country” he remarked. He emphasised the importance of partnership between India and Brazil and was looking forward to further strengthen ties with India. Congratulating NSIL and ISRO on the success of the 1st dedicated commercial launch of PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 Mission, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointed out that this ushers in a new era of Space reforms in the country.
ISSUE 4 • 2021
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