India takes off with Brazil's Amazonia-1 satellite and 18 others into orbit

On Sunday, India has sent a Brazilian Earth-observation satellite, Amazonia-1, along with 18 other satellites to space. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) shouldering the satellites the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, India.

The PSLV launch is the first mission of 2021 and the third flight ever of the PSLV-DL variant, according to ISRO. PSLV-DL variant has only two strap-on boosters and PSLV-C44 on 24 January 2019 was the first flight to use it.

The 637-kg Amazonia-1 is the first Brazilian satellite launched from India and is an optical earth observation satellite of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE). The satellite will further fortify the current structure by providing remote sensing data to users to monitor deforestation in the Amazon region and analyze diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory, an ISRO statement said.

The 18 co-passenger satellites include Satish Dhawan SAT (SDSAT), which studies radiation, space weather and communications, the UNITY sat to provide Radio relay services and a technology demonstrator satellite called SindhuNetra. A technology demonstrator called SAI-1 NanoConnect-2 and 12 SpaceBEEs from Swarm Technologies were other satellites hailed from America.

"In this mission, India and ISRO feel extremely proud and honored and happy to launch the first satellite designed, integrated, and operated by Brazil," said K. Sivan, chairman of the ISRO. "My heartiest congratulations to the Brazilian team for this achievement. The satellite is in very good health, and solar panels are deployed, and it's functioning very nicely. Let me congratulate and compliment the entire Brazilian team." He confirmed that Amazonia 1 was in a precise orbit.

"This satellite has a very important mission for Brazil. It will monitor the deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory," said Marcos Ceaser Pontes, Brazil's Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation, at the launch event.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a congratulatory tweet stating that this ushers in a new era of space reforms in the country. "Congratulations to NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) and @isro on the success of the 1st dedicated commercial launch of PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 Mission. 18 co-passengers included four small satellites that showcase dynamism and innovation of our youth."