Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches the much-anticipated South Asia Communication Satellite

ISRO GSLV F-09 satellite launch Live Updates: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the much-anticipated the South Asia Communication Satellite on this afternoon – PM Narendra Modi has famously projected it as India’s ‘gift’ to South Asian countries, Indian media reported. 

Six of India’s neighbours including Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives are participating in the space-based regional communication project, the Financial Express reported.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV F-09 carrying the communication and broadcasting satellite will take off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikotta. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ said the satellite is India’s gift to the region that will go a long way in addressing the economic and development priorities of the nations in the region.

The satellite weighs around 2230 kilogram during lift off and will be carrying 12 Ku-Band transponders. It has been developed at a cost of about 235-crore rupees and the total cost of the project including the launch is worked out to be about 450-crore rupees.