4:57 P.M., on Friday evening was recorded in Indian history as we successfully launched the GSAT-9 satellite on the GSLV-F09 rocket into space.
Two years ago, India made a promise to launch a telecommunication satellite to help all the SAARC countries. ISRO successfully built and launched the satellite from Sriharikota.
Successful launch of South Asian Satellite is a historic moment. It opens up new horizons of engagement.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 5 May 2017
A live conference with all the SAARC countries was conducted to record the launch yesterday evening. Pakistan was the only country that opted out of this joint venture saying they had their own satellite plans.
The Geostationary Communication Satellite – 9 (GSAT-9) was launched into a geostationary orbit. The satellite is the first in Indian history to use electric propulsion.
The satellite weighs a total of 2,230 kgs which will provide telecommunication links between India, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
All the leaders of the SAARC countries thanked India for its generous gift. Prime Minister Modi said, “Our coming together is a sign of our unshakable resolve to place the needs of our peoples in the forefront.”
The satellite was monitored by 50 of India’s best space engineers and scientist from ISRO. It took 3 years to build and has a mission life of 12 years and costing around 450 crores.
I congratulate the team of scientists who worked hard for the successful launch of South Asia Satellite. We are very proud of them. @isro
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 5 May 2017
Narendra Modi explained the importance of the satellite,“This is a first of its kind project in South Asia. And through it, we SAARC nations will together achieve effective communication, better governance, better banking services and better education in remote areas.”
This satellite, in particular, would be very helpful to Maldives, Bhutan and Nepal. These countries don’t have the resources for space programs. Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have already had communication satellites launched for them by China.
