PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 mission launched from Sriharikota
The PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 mission was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh today. PSLV-C51 rocket, which is the 53rd mission of PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), launched Amazonia-1 of Brazil as primary satellite and 18 co-passenger satellites from Sriharikota, about 100 km from Chennai.
The launch was tentatively scheduled for 10:24 am on February 28, subject to weather conditions. An image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also sent with the geo-imaging satellite GISAT-1.
PM Narendra Modi's image sent with geo-imaging satellite GISAT-1
PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm.
NSIL undertook this mission under a commercial arrangement with Seattle, US-based satellite rideshare and mission management provider, Spaceflight Inc. Amazonia-1 is the optical earth observation satellite of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
"This satellite would further strengthen the existing structure by providing remote sensing data to users for monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory", the statement said.
The 18 co-passenger satellites are -- four from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (three UNITYsats from consortium of three Indian academic institutes and one Satish Dhawan Sat from Space Kidz India) and 14 from NSIL.
