The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully launched the PSLV C 42 with two of UK's earth observation satellites NovaSAR and S1-4 in precision at 10.08 PM from the Sathish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

The satellites were put into sun synchronous orbit just over 17 minutes after lift off from the first launch pad. The 44.4 metres launch vehicle, 230.4 tons in weight, blasted off from the first launch pad and soared into the sky with fierce orange flame at its tail lighting up the night skies.

The total number of foreign satellites launched by India went up to 239 following the successful launch of the two British satellites.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists for the successful launch of the two UK satellites.

India has been sending foreign satellites belonging to international customers from 29 countries through PSLV.  More commercial ventures for nano satellites are expected in the future.