The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched 20 satellites including 17 foreign satellites into orbit with its workhorse PSLV-C34 in a single mission and set a new record. The Satellite Mission was held at ISRO's  Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota.

The launch of 320-tonne Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C34) took place at 9:26 am. with 20 satellites including its primary payload Cartosat-2 series from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Cartosat-2 series provides remote sensing services, and earth observation and imaging satellites from US,Germany, Indonesia and Canada. It was also 14th flight of PSLV in 'XL'configuration with the use of solid strap-on motors.

Features of the Cartostat-2 Series satellite:

Satellite Mass is 727.5 kg

Orbit type is Circular Polar Sun Synchronous

Orbit Height is 505 km

Orbit inclination is 97.48 degrees

Local time of equator crossing will be 9:30 am

The design life is 5 years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the ISRO scientists on their achievement. “20 satellites in a go! @isro continues to break new barriers. Hearty congratulations to our scientists on the monumental accomplishment,” he twitted.

9:46 am: GAGsat satellite also separated and launched into orbit

9:44 am: LAPAN-A3 and BIROS separated and launched into their orbit

9:43 am: PS-4 engine shut-off. Orbital conditions are achieved

9:40 am: Vehicle now 3,400 km away from India at an altitude of 517 km

9:39 am: PS-4 to burn for another 150 seconds. Fourth stage performance normal

9:32 am: Customers from all the countries observing the launch carefully.

9:31 am: Second stage successfully completed. Third stage begins with normal performance.

9:30 am: Second stage performance is normal. PSLV now at altitude of 215 km

9:29 am: PSLV now 115 km away from ground. Heat Shield not required anymore.

9:28: am: Burn-out of first stage completed. All set for second stage.

9:27 am: PSLV C-34 launched. All strap-ons are ignited.

9:21 am: Everything proceeding as per plan: ISRO

9:11 am: 14 minutes left for the launch.

9:00 am: The launch vehicle is ready to be launched. It is being taken to the site.

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Nandini