India launches rocket carrying 20 satellites to boost space programJune 22, 2016 - 11:07 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - India has successfully launched 20 satellites in a single mission, the most in the history of the country's ambitious space program, BBC News reports. They include satellites belonging to the United States, Canada, Germany and Indonesia. The launch took place from the Sriharikota space center off India's east coast. Observers say it is a sign that India is emerging as a major player in the multi-billion dollar space market. The record for the most number of satellites launched in a single mission belongs to Russia, which sent up 37 satellites in 2014, BBC says. As Indian scientists and government ministers kept a close watch, the rocket carrying 20 satellites blasted off from the launch facility in Andhra Pradesh state. The payload included devices ranging in weight from more than 700kg to as little as 1.5kg. They include an Indian cartographic satellite as well as those belonging to the country's universities and international customers - 13 satellites are from the US, including one made by a Google-owned company. The BBC's Sanjoy Majumder in Delhi says it is a significant moment for India's space program which has recorded a number of achievements including sending probes to the Moon and Mars. Launching several satellites in a single mission reduces cost and India has been positioning itself as a key player in the lucrative international commercial space market as an effective but low cost operator, our correspondent says. Related links: Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |