A satellite designed and built in Scotland has been launched into orbit.

The tiny spacecraft, which weighs less than 4kg, was carried aboard a rocket which blasted off from China on Friday.

It is the first of up to 140 nanosatellites being launched by Kepler, a Canadian company which intends to create a communications network in space.

Craig Clark, chief executive of Glasgow satellite-makers Clyde Space, said: "We would like to congratulate our friends at Kepler for making history this week, and everyone who has contributed to the success of the mission.

"We are entering into a new era of space-based communications."

The 3U CubeSat was designed, built and delivered in less than 12 months. As well as being constructed in Glasgow, it features mission control software developed by Dundee-based Bright Ascension.

Scotland is also in the running to be home to the UK's first spaceport.