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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Amazonia-1 satellite of Brazil from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, 28 February at 10:24 am.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and ISRO for the success. “This ushers in a new era of space reforms in the country. Eighteen co-passengers included four small satellites that showcase dynamism and innovation of our youth,” he added.
He further congratulated Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on the successful launch of Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1.
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C51) rocket, 53rd mission of PSLV, launched the 637-kg Brazilian satellite as the primary one with 18 co-passenger satellites which include 13 from the United States of America.
Further, PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 makes for the first dedicated commercial mission of ISRO’s commercial arm, NSIL. Amazonia-1 is the optical earth observation satellite of National Institute for Space Research (INPE).
ISRO’s first space mission for 2021 is one of the longest for a PSLV rocket and is expected to conclude 1 hour, 55 minutes and 7 seconds into its flight.
The 18 co-passenger satellites include four from IN-SPACe (three UNITYsats from consortium of three Indian academic institutes and one Satish Dhawan Sat from Space Kidz India) and 14 from NSIL.
For the third time, ISRO will be using the PSLV rocket's DL variant that will have two strap-on booster motors. This rocket variant was used the first time to put into orbit the Microsat R satellite on 24 January 2019.
The PSLV is a four stage/engine rocket powered by solid and liquid fuels alternatively with six booster motors strapped on to the first stage to give higher thrust during the initial flight moments.
Just over one hour into its flight, the rocket's engine will be restarted for about nine seconds before it is shut down again. After 1 hour, 49 minutes and 52 seconds, the rocket's engine will be reignited for eight seconds after which the 18 piggyback satellites will be put into orbit.
(With inputs from PTI, IANS)
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