The countdown to the first space program of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has begun in 2021 amid the Coronavirus epidemic. The countdown of PSLV-C51 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)'s 53rd mission commenced at 08:54 AM today.
If everything goes as planned, ISRO will launch a Brazilian satellite for the first time tomorrow morning from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
ISRO took to Twitter to inform that refueling for the fourth stage (PS4) of PSLV-C51 rocket is completed.
The blastoff is scheduled at 10.24 hours from Sriharikota, about 100 km from Chennai. Amazonia-1 will be launched as a primary satellite along with 18 other co-passenger payloads, including Satish Dhawan Sat (SD SAT) from Space Kidz India (SKI). The launching of satellites will depend on the prevailing weather conditions.
Photo of PM Modi being sent in space: A picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been engraved on the top panel of this spacecraft.
"This is to show solidarity and gratitude for his (PM's) Aatmanirbhar initiative and space privatisation", said SKI, which is also sending up "Bhagavad Gita" in SD (secured digital) card.
Gathering of media personnel at SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota has not been planned and keeping in mind strict Coronavirus pandemic norms, the launch viewing gallery will be closed.
However, the live telecast of ISRO's first mission in 2021 can be seen on ISRO website, Youtube, Facebook and Twitter channels.
"This satellite would further strengthen the existing structure by providing remote sensing data to users for monitoring deforestation in the Amazon region and analysis of diversified agriculture across the Brazilian territory," an ISRO statement said.