The Indian Space Research Organisation will launch ten satellites, including eight from abroad, which will be carried by PSLV-C9, on April 28 from Sriharikota.

The cluster of satellites to be lifted includes the Indian satellite Cartosat-2A, weighing 690 kg. The vehicle would also carry eight nano satellites of 16 to 27 kg from Canada [Images], Netherlands, Denmark and Germany [Images], an ISRO official told PTI in Thiruvananthapuram.

The satellites would be ejected into a 635 km orbit. Cartosat-2A, which is of one metre resolution, would be used for mapping purposes and management of natural resources.

The second Indian satellite of the cluster, weighing 85 kg, was an experimental remote sensing satellite. It would also be used as a platform for trying out advanced technology during the coming launches, the official said.

The launch is scheduled at 9.20 am from ISRO's launch port Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on April 28.

"All launches are important. But, this is for the first time that ISRO is launching ten satellites together," he said.

Of the eight nano satellites, six are form a cluster called NLS-4. These satellites were built to test nano technoloy for use in satellites.

ISRO considers the launch very important as it is a major step forward in its commercial launch operations. It is also an important mission technically, as satellites have to be put at the right time in a precise orbit one by one.