The 450-crore GSAT 9, PM Modi's gift to 6 SAARC nations, launched successfully into outer space
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) successfully launched the 450-crore GSAT-9 or the South Asia Communication Satellite at ISRO, Sriharikota today. The satellite is Prime Minister Narendra Modi's gift to six SAARC nations - India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. "We extend our close links into Outer Space," said PM Modi in his speech addressing the leaders of the six beneficiary nations via video conference. "Space technology will touch the lives of our people in the region," he added.
This is the 11th mission for the 50-meter tall rocket, which entered service in 2001. Inside the flying saucer-shaped control room of the Indian Space Research Organization or ISRO, the atmosphere is tense. Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO built the 2,230-kg satellite over three years at a cost of Rs. 235 crore. Its mission life is 12 years. The overall project costs over Rs. 450 crore.
That's a wrap on today's satellite launch at ISRO, Sriharikota. For more stories, please log on to
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Thanking every leader for their support and encouraging words, PM Modi said, "I thank each one of you for your kind words. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas will be the guiding light with will help us all grow together. This launch has shown us that even the sky is not the limit when it comes to regional cooperation."
Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena said:
Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal says:
Calling the launch an example of India's 'neighbour first policy', Maldives President Abdulla Yameen cheerfully says, "Sab ka saath, sab ka vikas."
Terming the launch of the South Asia satellite, a historic moment for the world, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay thanked PM Modi "for dedicating it to the common progress of the South Asian region"
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says, "On today's auspicious occasion, I congratulate the Government of India (for the successful launch). Betterment of our people can happen through fruitful engagement."
SAARC leaders address through video conference
"Development must be citizen centric. Today's development is child centred and women centred, it makes governance accessible," says Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani.
"This is an extremely important step to know nature and nature's patterns," he added.
"Convinced that when we join hands & mutually share fruits of knowledge, technology & growth, we can speed up development and prosperity," says PM Modi
"Space technology will touch the lives of our people in the region," he said, further adding, "Through this we will achieve effective communication, better governance, better banking services & better education in remote areas."
"We extend our close links into Outer Space," says PM Modi in his speech.
PM Modi addressing the SAARC leaders via video conference
President Pranab Mukherjee also congratulated the ISRO team:
PM Modi tweets, "The support and presence of these leaders will add even more joy in the hearts & minds of our region."
The satellite will reach its destination in the next few weeks, inform scientists at ISRO
Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to join with Prime Minister Narendra Modi via on live video conference at 5:30 pm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweets:
Scientists are 4 minutes away from finding whether the satellite launch is a success or failure.
Scientists are 4 minutes away from finding whether the satellite launch is a success or failure.
The satellite has 12 Ku-band transponders, devices that help in communication, with coverage over South Asian countries.
The
South Asia Satellite was launched atop a 50-meter tall rocket, the Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle or GSLV. The rocket weighs 414 kg and will use an indigenous cryogenic engine.
GSLV carrying the communication satellite GSAT 9 lifts off from ISRO, Sriharikota at 4.57 pm.
Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO built the 2,230-kg satellite over three years at a cost of Rs 235 crore. Its mission life is 12 years. The overall project costs over Rs 450 crore.
The satellite will lift-off from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota.
The satellite will provide telecommunication links to six SAARC nations - India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.
The 28-hour countdown will soon end after the GLSV lifts off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh at 4.57 pm today.
In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked scientists at ISRO to develop
a SAARC satellite as a gift dedicated to six neighbouring nations. The satellite is expected to help communicate during disasters and also focus on telemedicine and education. Each country can beam its own TV programs while there will be the possibility for a common South Asia programming.