India launches South Asia Satellite GSAT-9 from Sriharikota

Samarth Srivastava
Published on: 5 May 2017 1:39 PM GMT
India launches South Asia Satellite GSAT-9 from Sriharikota
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India launches South Asia Satellite GSAT-9 from Sriharikota

Bengaluru: In order to boost connectivity among all Saarc countries except Pakistan, India on Friday launched its South Asia Geostationary Communication Satellite (GSAT-9) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, 135 km outside Chennai.

Built by Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), it is India's gift to South Asia as six neighboring nations can use the benefits of the satellites.

The satellite, having a mission life of 12 years, cost Rs 235 crore.

Earlier, South Asia satellite was to be named SAARC satellite but following Pakistan's departure from the project the idea was dropped.

Also read: ISRO creates history with GSLV launch, says PM Modi in video conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated the launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle or GSLV as a historic day for South Asia.

The Indian Prime Minister, who had held a video conference with the beneficiary countries, on Friday, described the day of launch as the one without precedence.

“I congratulate the team of scientists who worked hard for the successful launch of South Asia Satellite. We are very proud of them,” PM Modi said.

The PM appreciated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stating, “ISRO team has led from the front in developing the South Asia Satellite as per the regions’ requirements and flawlessly launching it.”

Samarth Srivastava

Samarth Srivastava

Employed as sub-editor at newstrack.com. A learner, who loves covering sports, entertainment and defence kind of stuff.

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