Contributed by Jayamadhuri Dandu
The Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) PSLV-C51 launched at the ‘Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Nellore’ on 28th Feb 2021. The 53rd polar satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) happened at 10:24 exactly as planned, carrying Brazil’s 637-kg Amazonia -1, an optical earth observation satellite.
How it works:
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.
Some stunning glimpses:
Other satellites:
The launch was originally scheduled to carry 20 satellites besides Amazonia-1. Two of them were cancelled due to technical reasons. This is one of the longest journeys lasting for two hours and eight minutes, successfully placing Amazonia-1 and 18 other satellites in a sun synchronous orbit.
Special attraction- PM Modis’s image and Gita sent to space
SKI founder and CEO Dr Srimathy Kesan came up with the idea of carrying a photo graph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a copy of Bhagavad Gita was sent to space on Sunday along with Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1 and other satellites. Besides that the names of ISRO Chairman K Sivan and scientific secretary R Umamaheswaran have also been etched on the bottom panel of SDSAT built by Space Kidz India. Alao the names of 25,000 individuals including student names are etched on the panels.
Appreciation:
Narendra Modi congratulates President of Brazil and Team ISRO on the successful launch of Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite.
Marcos Ceaser Pontes, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovatio , Brazil termed the launch of satellites as the “beginning of stronger relations between India and Brazil”. ‘There could be no better place than to be here in India with all our partnerships that will be going to grow. We are going to work together a lot” he added.
If all goes well, India will end the mission orbiting a total of 342 foreign satellites. Finally the satellite is in good health and successfully separated from fourth stage of PSLV-C51 and injected into orbit.
ISRO Chairman K Sivan says that 14 missions lined up for launch in 2021 including the space agencies. The best and the success is yet to come.
