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PSLV-C18, the Indian rocket carrying the Indo-French tropical weather satellite Megha-Tropiques and three other smaller satellites on Wednesday blasted off from the first launch pad at the space port here.

The PSLV rocket will cross the 50 satellite launch milestone since 1993 if the mission turns successful.

Heaviest amongst the PSLV-C18's luggage is the 1,000 kg Megha-Tropiques satellite - a result of Indo-French collaboration - designed to study the water cycle and energy exchanges in the tropics.

The satellite will provide scientific data on contribution of the water cycle to the tropical atmosphere with information on condensed water in clouds, water vapour in the atmosphere, precipitation and evaporation.

According to ISRO, Megha-Tropiques with its circular orbit inclined 20 degree to the equator will enable climate research and also aid scientists seeking to refine weather prediction models.

India is the second nation in the world to launch such a space mission.

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