India has successfully launched a rocket carrying a record 20 satellites, marking the highest number ever launched in a single Indian mission and the third highest in history. The rocket, launched from Sriharikota, carries satellites from the US, Germany, Canada, and Indonesia. These satellites will be used for Earth observation and atmospheric measurement, with one satellite serving amateur radio operators. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the launch as a monumental achievement for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
This launch demonstrates India’s growing role in the commercial space market, offering satellite launch services at a significantly lower cost compared to competitors like SpaceX and NASA. India’s space programme is known for its affordability, with ISRO’s Mars mission in 2013 costing just $73 million, far less than NASA's $671 million Maven mission.