ISRO’s PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 Mission

The countdown for the launch of Indian Space Research Organisation’s PSLV-C 51 or Amazonia-1 mission started on February 27, 2021. The countdown began 8:54 am.

Highlights

• PSLV-C51 is scheduled to be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
• It will be launched from the space centre on February 28, 2021 at 10:24 pm.
• This is the 53^rd Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle mission of the ISRO.
• In this launch, the PSLV-C51 rocket will carry Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1 as primary satellite.
• Along with the Brazilian Satellite, the ISRO Vehicle will also carry 19 co-passenger satellites.
• However, this launch is subjected to the weather condition in the city on February 28, 2021.
• This mission is also the first dedicated commercial mission of commercial nodal agency of ISRO called “New Space India Limited (NSIL)”.

Role of NSIL

• NSIL is working on this mission in accordance with the commercial agreement with the Spaceflight Inc.
• Spaceflight Inc. is a satellite rideshare and mission management provider. It is based in US’ Seattle
• Out of the 18 co-passenger satellites, 14 will be sent by NSIL.

About Amazonia-1

Amazonia-1 is being sent by National Institute for Space Research , Brazil. The satellite is an optical Earth observation satellite. The satellite will work to provide strength to the existing structure. It will also share the remote sensing data so as to monitor the deforestation in the Amazon region of Brazil. Further, the satellite will provide analysis of the diversified agriculture across Brazil.

ISRO’s Co-Passenger

The PSLV Vehicle will be carrying four co-passengers from the nodal agency called Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe). IN-SPACe is an independent agency working under the Department of Space. It allows the private sector to take part in the space activities.  The satellites from this agency include three UNITYsats along with one satellite from the Satish Dhawan Sat.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2021