Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organization has launched Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C51 carrying Brazil's Amazonia-1 and 18 other satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday at 10:24 am.
A Brazilian delegation was present at Satish Dhawan Space Centre for the launch. 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 fro Brazil. It will monitor the deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory."
Pontes termed the launch of satellites as the "beginning of stronger relations" between India and Brazil."It represents a new era for the Brazilian Satellite Industry. There could be no better place than to be here in India with all our partnerships and this is one step for the partnership that will be going to grow. We are going to work together, a lot. Today is the beginning of stronger relations between both countries," he said.
ISRO chief K. Sivan was also present."In this mission, India and ISRO, feel extremely proud, honoured and happy to launch the first satellite designed, integrated and operated by Brazil. I congratulate the Brazilian team for this achievement. The satellite is in very good health and I congratulate all for this and compliment the entire Brazilian team," Sivan said after the launch event.
PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 is the first dedicated commercial mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Government of India company under the Department of Space. The NSIL is undertaking this mission under a commercial arrangement with Spaceflight Inc. USA.