India has successfully launched 20 satellites in a single mission, the most in the history of the country’s ambitious space program.
They include satellites belonging to the United States, Canada, Germany and Indonesia. The launch took place from the Sriharikota space center off India’s east coast.
Observers say it is a sign that India is emerging as a major player in the multibillion dollar space market, BBC reported.
The record for the most number of satellites launched in a single mission belongs to the US space agency, NASA, which sent up 29 satellites three years ago.
As Indian scientists and government ministers kept a close watch, the rocket carrying 20 satellites blasted off from the launch facility in Andhra Pradesh state.
The payload included devices ranging in weight from more than 700 kg to as little as 1.5 kg.
They include an Indian cartographic satellite as well as those belonging to the country’s universities and international customers—13 satellites are from the US, including one made by a Google-owned company.
It is a significant moment for India’s space program that has recorded a number of achievements, including sending probes to the Moon and Mars.
Launching several satellites in a single mission reduces cost and India has been positioning itself as a key player in the lucrative international commercial space market as an effective but low-cost operator.
