In its first mission for 2021, ISRO on Sunday launched PSLV-C51 carrying Amazonia-1 and 18 other satellites from Sriharikota.
The 53rd PSLV lifted off from the first launchpad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 10:24 am. Along with Brazil's Amazonia-1, the other 18 satellites include four IN-SPACe and 14 of ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India.
One amongst the IN-SPACe satellites is the one developed by SpaceKidz India. It contains an engraved picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and an e-copy of the Bhagavad Gita.
PM Modi took to Twitter to congratulate NSIL and ISRO adding that the launch ushers in a new era of Space reforms in the country. He said 18 co-passengers included four small satellites that showcase dynamism and innovation of our youth.
The prime minister also congratulated Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro on the successful launch of Brazil's Amazonia-1 satellite by PSLV-C51, and said this is a historic moment in space cooperation between the two countries.
As reported by PTI, the 637-kg Amazonia-1 which became the first Brazilian satellite to be launched from India in an optical earth observation satellite of National Institute for Space Research.
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