ISRO to launch Amazonia satellite of Brazil

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is to launch Amazonia-1 satellite developed by Brazil in August 2020.

Highlights

Amazonia-1 is the first earth observation satellite completely developed by Brazil. The operations of Amazonia-1 will be held jointly under China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite Programme (CBERS)

CBERS

So far, six satellites have been launched under CBERS programme. The first satellite under the programme was launched in 1999 and the last was launched in 2019 at China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre.

About Amazonia-1

The Amazonia-1 is a micro satellite and is being launched for atmospheric studies. The images from the satellite will help in monitoring deforestation of Amazon region. After the recent amazon fires, the satellite has got much more critical role to play.

The satellite is launched by India under the 2004 space cooperation agreement signed by India and Brazil. The agreement was just an initiation of space cooperation between the countries.

Background

In 2014, India and Brazil signed an agreement at the 6^th BRICS Summit. Under the agreement, the countries agreed to set up a Brazilian Earth station to receive data from Indian Satellites. ISRO provided training to the Brazilian scientists to operate and gather data through remote sensing.

The satellite launch is an extension of the agreement

India-Brazil space relations

India gets tracking support from ground stations located in Cuiaba and Alcantara in Brazil. The tracking support is currently being used for Chandrayaan-1. MOM. ASTROSAT and Megha Tropiques.

Why ISRO?

After the successful launch of Mangalyaan (the Mars mission) in 2014, several South American countries have been reaching to ISRO through Indian Missions for commercial launches. Currently the South American countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Bolivia have space cooperation with ISRO.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020