Chennai: The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) will soon launch a Brazilian micro satellite to conduct atmospheric studies. In addition, ISRO will also set up a ground station in Brazil for receiving remote sensing data from Resourcesat 1, its remote sensing satellite.

According to the terms of an agreement signed on January 25,2004, at New Delhi between ISRO and Brazilian Space Agency, the two organisations will conduct joint research in space and atmospheric sciences and also exchange proposals for remote sensing applications.

The collaboration between the two space agencies is the outcome of the Framework Agreement signed on the eve of Republic Day between the governments of India and New Delhi for cooperation in the field of outer space. The agreement was signed by Yashwant Sinha, minister of External Affairs and Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian president, during his visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations.