India set to launch South Asia communication satellite

India will launch South Asia communication satellite, built for use by countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, on Friday, according to state-owned Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

ISRO, which built GSAT-9, South Asia communication satellite, said that preparations for the launch were going on smoothly and would take-off from the southern spaceport of Sriharikota on Friday afternoon.

“We will have the launch tomorrow (Friday) at 4.57 p.m. All activities are going on smoothly,” ISRO chief A.S. Kiran Kumar told the media.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the date of the launch in his monthly radio programme, Mann ki baat (talk from the heart), on Sunday, adding that India would launch the South Asia satellite on May 5.

“The benefits of this satellite will go a long way in meeting the developmental needs of the countries participating in this project.

“It includes mapping of natural resources, tele-medicine, education, deeper IT connectivity or fostering people-to-people contact.

“The satellite will enhance 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,’’ Modi said.

The 2,230-kg satellite has 12 Ku-band transponders. It is cuboid in shape and built around a central cylinder. The satellite has a mission life of over 12 years.