The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully blasted off its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C51 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota a little before 10.30 am. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle took off at 10.24 am, carrying Brazil's 637-kg Amazonia-1, an optical earth observation satellite, as its primary passenger.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO on its first mission of 2021.

In a tweet he wrote: "Congratulations to NSIL and @isroon the success of the first dedicated commercial  launch of PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 Mission. This ushers in a new era of Space reforms in the country. 18 co-passengers included four small satellites that showcase dynamism and innovation of our youth.

He also congratulated Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the mission's success and called this a historic moment in space cooperation.

The IN-SPACe satellites on board include three UNITYsats from a consortium of Indian academic institutes and one Satish Dhawan unit from Space Kidz India, which will study space radiation, among other things.

PSLV-C51/Amazonia-1 mission is the first dedicated PSLV commercial mission for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a government of India owned company under the Department of Space. The company is undertaking the mission under a commercial arrangement with Seattle-based firm Spaceflight.

(IBNS)