PSLV C-34 (Indian Space Research Organization)
India is set to launch a record 20 satellites aboard its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket late on Tuesday.
PSLV C-34 will launch at 9:26 a.m. local time Wednesday (11:56 p.m. ET Tuesday), carrying a haul of satellites from countries including the U.S., Germany, Canada and Indonesia. The spacecraft will also carry India’s Cartosat-2 satellite and two satellites from Indian universities when it takes off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre. 9.26amPSLV C-34PSLV C-34
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The country’s previous largest single launch was in 2008 when 10 satellites were sent into low Earth orbits, according to The Times of India.
The flight will be the 36th for India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle program. The total weight of the 20 satellites is 2,840 pounds, according to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
India performed a successful space shuttle test launch last month, marking the latest milestone for the country’s space program.
In 2014 the country won plaudits for successfully launching its low-cost Mangalyaan Mars Orbiter, which experts say could open the door to lucrative space deals with the U.S. and Europe.
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