Isro launches South Asian satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) added another feather to its cap by successfully launching a geostationary communication satellite (GSAT-9) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota on Friday.

 GSAT-9, carried by a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09), will enable a range of services to India’s neighbours, including in telecommunication, television, Direct-to-Home, VSATs, tele-education and tele-medicine.

The cuboid-shaped 2,230 kg satellite, named South Asian Satellite, has a mission life of more than 12 years.
Seven of the eight South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) member countries – India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives – are part of the ambitious project.

Pakistan opted out saying it has its own space programme. In addition, the satellite will also be used for supporting applications that include disaster management support, broadcast of meteorological data, and networking of academic, scientific and research institutions.

The intended applications of GSAT-9, which costs about Rs 230 crore, would strengthen regional cooperation among the member countries.

The master control facility at Hassan takes care of the satellite operations, including orbit raising manoeuvres. GSLV-F09 is the eleventh flight of GSLV and its fourth consecutive flight with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage.