PSLV C-51 placed Brazil's Earth Observation satellite into orbit from SHAR

Indian, Brazil discussed space cooperation today

New Delhi: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Monday discussed with Brazilian Science, Technology and Innovation minister Marcos Pontes ways to further explore space cooperation between the two countries, including India's support in procurement of material and systems for Brazil's launch vehicle program, a statement said.

Cooperation possibilities in future space science missions, utilising ISRO's PS4 orbital platform, space weather studies were also discussed in the virtual meeting, it added.

The meeting took place a day after the successful launch of Amazonia-1 satellite of Brazil by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday.

"The collaboration between the two countries mark a beginning of robust bonding and is a role model for other countries to follow," Mr Singh said, adding that the launch also marked the first dedicated mission of ISRO's commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL).

Mr Singh, who is in charge of the Department of Space, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided a special impetus in the last 5-6 years to all the scientific pursuits, including space technology, and extended its applications to different sectors and areas bringing ''Ease of living'' for common man.

He said whether it is railways or smart cities, agriculture or disaster management, highways or defence, space technology is contributing to it in a big way.

Referring to the government's decision to "unlock" India's space technology to private players for the first time after independence, Mr Singh said this will bring ''Ease of Living'', ''Ease of Environment'', and ''Ease of Humanity''.

Mr Singh said that while India began its space journey after several other countries, today it is in a position to provide inputs from Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan to the premier institutions of the world like the NASA.

On his part, Mr Pontes said India-Brazil joint venture in space technology will offer new opportunities for companies and help create new jobs.

"Brazil has also requested for India's support in procurement of material and systems for its launch vehicle program," the statement said.