Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth has hailed Tuesday's deployment of a nanosatellite that was designed and made by the country's experts.

“[It's] undoubtedly a technological advancement for the country and reflects our vision of a knowledge and innovation-based economy," said Mr Jugnauth.

The MIR-SAT1 (Mauritius Imagery and Radiocommunications Satellite) was deployed into low orbit from the International Space Station (ISS).

It is equipped with an X-CAM-C3D camera which will capture images and collect data about the island nation.

The data captured will be used for various purposes, including maritime surveillance of Mauritius’ vast exclusive economic zone, climate change adaptation, weather forecasting and road traffic management.

MIR-SAT1 cost 15 million Mauritian rupees ($366,000;£261,000) and was fully funded by the government.