Indian space agency sets record launch

NEW DELHI, April 28 (UPI) -- India's space agency claimed a world record Monday by launching a rocket carrying an unprecedented payload of 10 satellites.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle-C9, fired into space from the Sriharikota Space Center in southern Andhra Pradesh state, carried 10 satellites including India's latest remote sensing CARTOSAT-2A device, state television and other reports said.

The rocket reportedly lifted off perfectly into a clear sky.

The report said besides the 1,522-pound CARTOSAT-2A, the PSLV also carried a mini IMS-1 satellite weighing 183 pounds and eight so-called nanosatellites built in Germany and Canada.

The CARTOSAT-2A was reported to be fitted with a state-of-the-art panchromatic camera to be used for mapping purposes and management of natural resources. The IMS-1 will become a platform for trying out advanced technology in future launches.

The rocket was to place all the 10 satellites into orbit within minutes of one another.