India succesfully launches GSLV F-09 carrying South Asia Satellite

05 May, Sriharikotta

The South Asia satellite has been launched by Indian Space Research Organization ISRO successfully this evening.
The communication satellite on board the launch vehicle “GSLV F-Zero Nine” lifted off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikotta at 4.57 pm and reached the geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku band transponders meant for communication purposes. They can be used also for broadcasting services, tele-medicine, tele-education and disaster management.

The total cost of the satellite mission is worked out to be 450-crore rupees including 235 crore rupees for the satellite alone. As Prime Minister Modi has announced earlier, it is a gift by India to its neighbours.

Six of India’s neighbours including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Srilanka and the Maldives have participated in the project. Pakistan pulled out of the project. The participating nations would be given at least a dedicated transponder for their exclusive use.

Today’s success of the launch is a great boost for South Asian regional cooperation in jointly undertaking development initiatives. The ISRO has used indigenously made Cryogenic Upper Stage in the launch vehicle GSLV F-zero nine for the fourth time today.

The satellite is going to use electric propulsion, instead of the conventional liquid propulsion for fine tuning of its orbit. It is an innovation made by ISRO in this mission.
The operational life of the satellite would be 12 years. South Asia satellite is an effective outreach by India to meet the development aspirations of her friendly neighbours, cementing the ties further.