ISRO launches Brazil’s Amazonia-1 and 18 other satellites

• The Indian Space Research Organisation, launched Polar Satellites Launch Vehicle- PSLV C51 carrying Amazonia-1 satellite of Brazil and 18 other satellites of USA and India from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh at 10.24 am on February 28, 2021.
• A Brazilian delegation along with ISRO Chief K. Sivan was also present at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre during the launch.
• After four stages of separation, the Amazonia-1 satellite of Brazil, an optical earth observation satellite was launched by the PSLV rocket.
• The first space mission of India for 2021 has been one of the longest for PSLV rocket.
• This is also the first commercial mission of New Space India Limited, a company of the Indian government under the Department of Space.
• The NSIL- New Space India Limited has been undertaking this mission under a commercial arrangement with Spaceflight Inc. USA.
• Amazonia-1 Satellite of Brazil is an optical earth observation satellite of the National Institute for Space Research.
• The launched satellite will help in strengthening and reinforcing the existing structure by providing remote sensing data in order to monitor deforestation in the Amazon region.
• An analysis of the diversified agriculture across the territory of Brazil will also be provided by it.
• Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite as the primary satellite was launched by the PSLV-C51, which is the 53rd mission of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
• A total of 18 co-passenger satellites were lifted off from the Space Centre.
• The Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Brazil, Marcos Ceaser Pontes during his address at the launch event mentioned that the country was working on this satellite for many years and that it will serve a very important mission for Brazil.