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May 6, 2017
GSLV-F09 Mission
GSLV-F09 / GSAT-9 launch
India launched its GSAT-9 communications satellite via a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket Friday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launch is aimed at supporting international partnerships in South Asia. The launch, which wasn’t shown live by ISRO, occurred at 16:57 local time (11:27 UTC) on May 5, 2017.
GSAT-9, also known as the South Asia Satellite, is a Ku-band broadcasting and telecommunications spacecraft which India has developed to provide services to members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
ISRO & SAARC - GSLV F09 GSAT 9 Lift Off and onboard camera video
The GSAT-9 spacecraft is a 2,230-kilogram (4,920 lb) satellite based on ISRO’s I-2K bus. With a design life of twelve years, the satellite is expected to support education, medical, disaster management and communications initiatives as well as international cooperation between the member states. It is equipped with twelve Ku-band transponders.
The South Asia Satellite program is a partnership between India and most of the other member nations of SAARC: Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan has not yet signed up to the program but is expected to, while Pakistan has opted not to be involved.
GSAT-9 communications satellite
South Asia Satellite was proposed by India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in line with his foreign policy objective of strengthening India’s relations and cooperation with neighboring countries. India has funded the development and launch of the spacecraft, at a total value of around 4.5 billion rupees (70 million US dollars). Modi described the satellite as a “gift” to the region.
For more information about Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), visit: http://www.isro.gov.in/
Images, Video, Text, Credits: ISRO/Günter Space Page/NASA Spaceflight.com/Orbiter.ch Aerospace.
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