India has successfully launched the South Asia Satellite, GSAT- 9 communications satellite on May 5, 2017, Friday at 4:57 PM. The satellite was launched for strengthening cooperation in disaster communication and telecommunication among six South Asian countries.
According to Hindustan Times, the launch of GSAT- 9 communication satellite was initiated at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre located at the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh, a department of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization). The satellite was launched by a heavy rocket named as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV -F09).
GSLV - F09 rocket, which was carrying the GSAT - 9 communication satellite was 49 meters long with a weight of total 415 tons. The communication satellite weighed 2,230 kg alone. The rocket released the satellite into the geosynchronous transfer orbit, the place from where it would be taken up to its final geostationary orbit.
It has been reported by NDTV, that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assigned the task to Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) for developing a satellite which will be used by the SAARC countries. The total costing for the GSAT - 9 communication satellite is said to be INR 235 crore, and earlier it was known as the SAARC satellite. But after Pakistan's decision to step out, it is now called as South Asia Satellite.
The GSAT - 9 communication satellite is said to have a lifespan of 12 years and the main aim of the satellite is to provide communication applications for the nations in its part. Telecommunication, tele-education and telemedicine will be enabled to the user nations with the mapping of natural resources. It would likewise expand the internet networks and would be helpful in disaster management.
PM Modi took to twitter to praise ISRO on effectively propelling the GSAT- 09 communication satellite. He said that all pioneers from of South Asia including Afghanistan President Ghani, PM Hasina, Bhutan President Tshering Tobgay, Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen, Nepal President Prachanda and Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena would participate in by means of video conferencing to commend the occasion.