The recent successful completion of the 53rd flight of PSLV-C51 marked a significant achievement for New Space India Ltd (NSIL), the commercial sector of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This mission, constituting the first dedicated NSIL operation, witnessed the successful launch of Brazil’s optical earth observation satellite, Amazonia-1, and 18 co-passenger satellites from India and the USA. The operation was conducted from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) at Sriharikota, India’s primary spaceport responsible for Indian Space Programme infrastructure.
Details on Brazilian Satellite Amazonia-1
Weighing in at 637 kg and under the ownership of the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the Amazonia-1 successfully entered its accurate orbit of 758 km in a sun-synchronous polar orbit. Its principal aim is to support the existing structure by providing remote sensing data to users. These users will utilize the data for monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region and to analyze diversified agriculture across Brazil.
Indian Satellites Launched
Among the launched satellites were five from India. UNITYsat, comprising three satellites, has been developed to provide radio relay services. It has been designed and built through collaborative efforts by Jeppiaar Institute of Technology, Sriperumpudur (JITsat), G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur (GHRCEsat), and Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore (Sri Shakthi Sat).
The SDSDAT or the Satish Dhawan Satellite, a nano satellite, aims to study radiation levels, space weather, and demonstrate long-range communication technologies. Chennai-based Space Kidz developed this satellite.
The SindhuNetra satellite, developed by students of the Bengaluru-based PES University, was brought to life under a Rs. 2.2 crore contract from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The project will aid in identifying suspicious ships through satellite imaging.
USA Satellites Launched
The mission also saw the successful launch of 13 satellites from the USA, including one technology demonstration satellite (SAI-1 Nano Connect 2) and several for two-way communications and data relay (SpaceBEEs).
The Significance of the Mission
This mission has provided a new impetus to the Indo-Brazil relationship. Since the early 2000s, agreements for cooperative instruments for exploration and peaceful uses of outer space have taken place between India and Brazil at the governmental and space agency levels.
With the new Amazonia-1, multiple business, trade, and governmental opportunities may arise. Additionally, Brazil has requested India’s assistance in procuring materials and systems for its launch vehicle programme.
This mission also marks the implementation of new space reforms in India. These reforms aim to boost private sector participation in space activities and are represented by five of the Indian satellites launched as part of this mission.
IN-SPACe and NSIL
Four of the co-passenger satellites were signed for launch by IN-SPACe, ISRO’s small satellites facilitation agency, and 14 were signed up via NSIL for commercial launch.
IN-SPACe is an independent nodal agency under the Department of Space (DOS) that facilitates space activities and usage of DOS-owned facilities by Non-Government Private Entities (NGPEs) as well as to prioritise the launch manifest.
NSIL is the commercial arm of ISRO, primarily responsible for enabling Indian industries to engage in high-technology space-related activities. It also promotes and commercially exploits products and services resulting from the Indian space sector.
The PSLV: A brief overview
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is India’s third-generation launch vehicle. It is a four-staged launch vehicle, with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors and the second and fourth stages utilising liquid rocket engines. Initially, the PSLV had a carrying capacity of 850 kg, which has since been enhanced to 1.9 tonnes.
Over the years, the PSLV has launched 50 Indian satellites and 222 foreign satellites for over 70 international customers from 20 countries. Between 1994 and 2019, it successfully completed numerous payloads launches, including Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), and the space recovery mission, among others. The PSLV has only failed twice in its history—the maiden flight of the PSLV D1 in 1993 and the PSLV C-39 in 2017.