MADRAS, India, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- India says it has successfully launched a satellite to study intense weather associated with monsoon patterns.
The 1-ton Megha-Tropiques satellite was launched into orbit Wednesday from Sriharikota, about 50 miles from Madras, the BBC reported.
In a so-called low-inclination orbit around the equator, the satellite will pass over India almost 12 times a day.
Megha-Tropiques is a joint venture with France, which built the instruments while India constructed the satellite platform and provided the launch rocket.
The Indian space agency has been actively seeking ties with its international counterparts.
Data from the satellite will be shared with meteorological organizations in Europe and the United States, Indian officials said.
