The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C51 (PSLV-C51).

The PSLV-C51 lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota, on 28 February.

It was witnessed by Brazil’s Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Marcos Pontes and the heads of the Brazilian Space Agency (AEB) and the National Institute for Space Research (INPE).

In addition to the Amazonia-1, the vehicle carried 18 small satellites. They included four from ISRO’s small satellites facilitation agency IN-SPACe and 14 (one from India and 13 from the US) from the NSIL commercial satellite.

This is the first dedicated mission of ISRO’s commercial division NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL).

The PSLV-C51 launch was the 53rd flight performed by PSLV and the third flight of PSLV in a ‘DL’ configuration.

ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan said: “India and ISRO feel extremely proud and honoured to launch the first satellite designed, integrated and operated by Brazil. Hearty congratulations to the Brazilian team for this achievement.’’

The Amazonia-1 was inserted into its intended orbit approximately 17min into the flight.

Fully designed, integrated, tested and operated by INPE, the Amazonia-1 is an optical earth observation satellite.

It is designed to provide remote sensing data to monitor deforestation in the Amazon region and analyse diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory.

The remaining satellites were successfully separated from the PSLV in a predetermined sequence after 1h and 38min.