The GSLV-F09, carrying the GSAT-9 or the South Asia satellite took off successfully at 4:57 pm by the ISRO. Its not just the capital involved in the launch programme that matters, but also the countries that benefited from it.
The 450-crore worth satellite, was in fact, a gift to the seven SAARC nations. Six of India’s neighbours including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Maldives are participating in the project.
The satellite weighed 2230 kilograms during the take off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikotta and will be carrying 12 Ku-Band transponders. Congratulating the success of the mission, PM Narendra Modi tweets:
Successful launch of South Asian Satellite is a historic moment. It opens up new horizons of engagement.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017This will also greatly benefit South Asia & our region’s progress.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017I 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) May 5, 2017The historic occasion has been made better with a surprise- we have leaders of South Asian nations joining us in celebrating this launch.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017I welcome President @ashrafghani, PM Hasina, PM @tsheringtobgay, @presidencymv Abdulla Yameen, PM Prachanda, President @MaithripalaS.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017All the leaders will take part & address the programme via video conferencing at 5.30 PM this evening.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017The support and presence of these leaders will add even more joy in the hearts & minds of our region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017We are a united family of South Asian countries, united in our pursuit of peace, progress & prosperity of our region & the entire humankind.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 5, 2017
#WATCH PM Modi addresses post launch of South Asian Satellite https://t.co/BfdXJQvPuf
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 5, 2017Meanwhile, ANI posted video of the satellite launch on its website, alongside the Prime Minister addressing the media:
#WATCH: ISRO launches South Asia Satellite GSAT-9 from Andhra Pradesh's Sriharikota. pic.twitter.com/wbANKY4yq2
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 5, 2017ISRO launches South Asia Satellite GSAT-9 from Andhra Pradesh's Srikharikota. pic.twitter.com/59ElQn26n0
— ANI (@ANI_news) May 5, 2017