Chennai: An Indian rocket with the over two ton South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9, intended to address the region’s “economic and developmental priorities”, blasted off from the Sriharikota spaceport on Friday evening.
Precisely at 4.57 p.m., the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) rose into the sky from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at the spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. The 49 metre-tall, 415 ton rocket will sling into orbit, the 2,230 kg South Asia Satellite, intended as an ‘Indian Gift’ for use by its fellow South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) nations save Pakistan, which had opted out, stating “it has its own space programme.
In 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had tasked the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to develop a satellite for use by the Saarc countries.
Costing around Rs 235 crore, the satellite was initially known as the Saarc satellite but with Pakistan deciding to keep out, it is now called the South Asia Satellite. Its life span is over 12 years.
In his most recent monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi said the South Asia Satellite will go a long way in addressing the region’s economic and developmental priorities. “Natural resources mapping, telemedicine, the field of education, deeper IT connectivity or fostering people-to-people contact, this satellite will prove to be a boon in the progress of the entire region.
“It is an important step by India to enhance cooperation with the entire South Asia…It is an invaluable gift. This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia. I welcome all the South Asian countries who have joined us on this momentous endeavour,” he had said.
According to an official, the ISRO on an experimental basis decided to have electric power for the satellite. “We have not reduced the volume of the traditional on-board fuel because of the electric power. We have added electric power facility to check its performance for use in future satellites,” the official told. He said the next satellite with electric power will be the GSAT-20 slated for launch in 2018.
The GSLV is a three stage/engine rocket. The core of the first stage is fired with solid fuel while the four strap-on motors by liquid fuel. The second is the liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine.
Modi hails ‘historic’ South Asia Satellite launch
Hailing as historic Indias successful launch of the South Asia Satellite, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it will open up new horizons of engagement and greatly benefit South Asias progress.
“Successful launch of South Asian Satellite is a historic moment. It opens up new horizons of engagement. This will also greatly benefit South Asia & our region’s progress,” Modi said in a series of tweets minutes after an Indian rocket with the over two ton South Asia Satellite blasted off from the Sriharikota spaceport. “I congratulate the team of scientists who worked hard for the successful launch of South Asia Satellite,” he said congratulating the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). “The historic occasion has been made better with a surprise – we have leaders of South Asian nations joining us in celebrating this launch. I welcome President @ashrafghani, PM Hasina, PM @tsheringtobgay, @presidencymv Abdulla Yameen, PM Prachanda, President @MaithripalaS,” said Modi.
“We are a united family of South Asian countries, united in our pursuit of peace, progress & prosperity of our region & the entire humankind. The support and presence of these leaders will add even more joy in the hearts & minds of our region,” he added.
South Asian leaders hail India for successful satellite launch
South Asian leaders on Friday hailed India for the successful launch of the India-initiated South Asia Satellite. “On today’s auspicious occasion, I congratulate the Government of India (for the successful launch),” Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was quoted as saying by the Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). “Happy to be able to talk to PM Narendra Modi and other esteemed leaders,” she said, according to a series of tweets by the PMO.
Hasina also said that “betterment of our people can happen through fruitful engagement”. Stating that development must be citizen centric, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said Friday’s development “is child centred and women centred, it makes governance accessible.” “Through this cooperation, we have to work for the poor and the deprived,” the PMO quoted Ghani as saying.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay said: “Launch of this satellite, our satellite, augurs well for our region and for nations like Bhutan.” He expressed his gratitude to “visionary leader” Modi “for dedicating it to the common progress of the South Asian region.” “This gift from India is an example of true friendship and cooperation. It will bring common progress of our region,” Tobgay said. “Launch of the South Asia Satellite (is a) historic moment for the world, it ushers in a new era of regional cooperation. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’, says President Abulla Yameen,” the PMO cited the Maldives President as saying. “This launch is an example of India’s ‘neighbourhood first policy’,” Yameen said.
Congratulating Modi and the Indian government for the launch of the satellite, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” said this would enhance connectivity. “This will be helpful to provide communication services in the mountain and hilly regions of Nepal,” Prachanda said.
The PMO also quoted Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena as saying that this initiative would “support people in all regions, enhance economic conditions and help in eliminating poverty”. “This initiative will provide assistance to many priority areas of the region,” Sirisena said. “It is an honour to congratulate you on this historic occasion,” he told Modi.
