The South Asian Satellite – Some highlights

Space diplomacy has touched new heights with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unique gift in the sky to South Asian neighbours. The gift of a communications satellite for use by neighbours at no cost has perhaps no precedent worldwide. The satellite, which weighs over 2 tonnes, has been fabricated in three years at a cost of over ` 230 crore. Its footprint that extends all over South Asia. The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku band transponders which India’s neighbours can utilise to increase communications. Each country will get access to at least one transponder through which they could beam their own programming. The satellite will facilitate DTH television, VSAT links, teleeducation, telemedicine and disaster management support. It will provide critical communication links in times of disasters such as earthquakes, cyclones, floods, and tsunamis. Heads of Government from all the seven South Asian nations who are benefiting from the satellite, connected via video conference, in a unique celebration of the successful launch.