(Image source from: PM Modi lauds Isro's PSLV C-23 launch})

The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) PSLV C-23 was successfully launched from Sriharikota on Monday morning. Prime Minster Narendra Modi was present at Sriharikota to see the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle or PSLV lifted off at 9:52 am.

The 230-ton PSLV was carrying five satellites belonging to four countries – Canada, Germany, France and Singapore. It included the French Earth observation satellite SPOT 7.

The SPOT-7 satellite, weighing 714 kg, was the main payload of the rocket. PSLV had four other small satellites - Canada's NLS7.1 (CAN-X4) and NLS7.2 (CAN-X5), each weighing 15 kg; Germany's 14-kg AISAT and Singapore's 7-kg VELOX-1.

This is PSLV's 27th launch, but India's fourth dedicated commercial launch. The total costs of the launch vehicle was Rs. 100 crores.

PM Narendra Modi watched the upward flight of the rocket from Isro's rocket mission control room along with Andhra Pradesh governor ESL Narasimhan, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu and ISRO space scientists.

While congratulating the scientists, PM Modi said, "Your Sadhna (dedication) in the labs has the power to change the lives of millions of people".

Indian scientists have given ‘Shunya’ and ‘flying objects’ to the world said Modi, while adding that India's space journey has come a long way from the humble beginnings that our ancestors had shown.

The PM expressed pride that India's space programme is indigenous, for which generations of scientists worked hard to make India self-reliant in space technology.

The fact that the satellites launched today are from developed nations is a global endorsement of India's space prowess, said the PM.

India's commercial satellite launches is organised through Antrix Corporation - ISRO's commercial arm. Even today's five satellite launch were arranged through Antrix Corporation.

(AW: Pratima Tigga)