The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle or GSLV lifted off at 4.57 this evening from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, carrying a 450-crore communications satellite that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted to six South Asian neighbours. "I congratulate the team of scientists who worked hard for the successful launch of South Asia Satellite. We are very proud of them," PM Modi has tweeted, announcing that leaders of the beneficiary countries will join him in a video-conference in a short while to celebrate the launch.
The 2,230-kg satellite - it weighs as much as four full grown elephants - will provide telecommunication links between India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Pakistan has opted out of the project.
Leaders of the six beneficiary countries will video-conference their comments after the launch.
The satellite will help the countries communicate better during disasters and could help establish a hotline between them. It will also help in telemedicine and education.
The South Asia Satellite, which uses a new propulsion system, was built over three years. Its mission life is 12 years. The GSLV rocket that launched it weighs 414 kg and is 50 meters tall. This is the GSLV's 11th flight.
The satellite has 12 Ku Band transponders -- devices that help in communication. Each nation will get access to at least one transponder. India said it was ready to help them with the ground infrastructure.
Today's launch is seen as a move to counter China's space diplomacy in the region. China has helped Pakistan and Sri Lanka launch communication satellites.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the satellite embodies the "spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas... inclusive development for all." That mantra, PM Modi said in his radio address Mann Ki Baat, was not confined to India alone. "It applies to the global context too. And very specially to our neighbouring countries," he said.
The facilities of the satellite, the Prime Minister said, "will go a long way in addressing South Asia's economic and developmental priorities".
PM Modi had, after taking office in 2014, asked scientists at ISRO to develop a SAARC satellite as a gift dedicated to neighbouring countries.
Pakistan was the only SAARC member that opted out of the project, saying it has its "own space programme". Pakistan has five satellites but lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities.
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