ISRO Launches PSLV-C51 Carrying Amazonia-1 and 18 Other Satellites
First Launch Day for ISRO in 2021
The last sunrise of February brings joy and excitement. People of India and Brazil begin the new day awaiting the launch of PSLV-C51 which carries 19 satellites (1 from Brazil and 12 from the U.S.A). This is the Indian Space Research Organization’s first launch mission of 2021. At around 10:25 AM (IST), Polar Satellite Launching Vehicle (PSLV) lifted off from the first launchpad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota Range) after a 25.5-hour countdown. Amazonia-1 is the primary satellite of this launch and it is expected to be injected into orbit about 18 minutes after lift-off. It is the first Earth observation satellite entirely developed by Brazil.
— At 10:42 AM (IST), Amazonia-1 was successfully separated from fourth stage of PSLV and was injected into orbit.
— At 10:44 AM (IST), Upper Stage Engines scheduled to restart twice for the rocket to reach a lower orbit to inject the remaining 18 satellites.
— At 12:33 PM (IST), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) tweeted:
All Co-passenger satellites separated from #PSLVC51. Mission accomplished..
#ISRO #NSIL #INSPACe #Amazonia1
— The mission lasted for two hours and eight minutes. It was the 53rd flight of PSLV-C51 and is counted in one of its longest journeys.
Marcos Ceaser Pontes, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Brazil in his address at the launch event said:
“We have been working on this satellite for many years. This satellite which was launched today 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.”
ISRO Chief Kailasavadivoo Sivan stated:
“In this mission, India and ISRO, feel extremely proud to launch the first satellite designed, integrated by Brazil. The satellite is in very good health. I congratulate the Brazilian team.”
