India has created history by successfully launching 104 satellites on a single mission,
overtaking the previous record of 37 satellites launched by Russia in 2014.
All but three of the satellites are from foreign countries, most of them from the United States.
The launch took place from Sriharikota space centre in south India.
Observers say it is a sign that India is emerging
as a major player in the multi-billion dollar space market.
"This is a great moment for each and every one of
us. Today we have created history," project
director B Jayakumar was quoted as saying by the
Reuters news agency.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to congratulate the scientists tweeting, "This remarkable feat by @isro is yet another proud
moment for our space scientific community and the nation. India salutes our scientists."
The phrase "world record" has also been trending
on Twitter India for much of Wednesday morning.
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Of the 104 small satellites, 96 belong to the United
States while Israel, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and the Netherlands are the other foreign clients.
A majority of the satellites have earth-imaging capability and belong to a US company named Planet.
An Indian cartographic satellite, believed to be capable of taking high resolution images is also on board. It is expected to be used to monitor regional arch rivals Pakistan and China.
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