Isro set to launch regional satellite
Countdown for South Asia satellite to begin today
Isro is all set to launch the India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) carrying GSAT-9 on Friday from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Shar, Sriharikota.
The countdown will commence at 12.57 pm on Thursday and the rocket would take off after 28 hours at 4.57 pm.
All senior scientists of Isro have been camping at Shar to oversee the launch operations.
The GSAT-9 would fulfill Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to provide a communication satellite to South Asian countries.
The satellite is equipped with transponders, which are exclusively meant to provide various communication applications in Ku-band for South Asian countries, excluding Pakistan.
Sources in Shar said the satellite is configured to augment the growing need of Ku band transponders as it carries 12 Ku-Band transponders.
A geostationary communication satellite, GSAT-9, is configured around Isro’s I-2K bus, with liftoff mass of 2,230 kg.
The main structure of the satellite is cuboid in shape built around a central cylinder with a mission life of over 12 years.
GSLV-F09 mission is the 11th flight of GSLV and its fourth consecutive flight with the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage.
It may be recalled that in his recent Mann Ki Baat programme, the Prime Minister had mentioned about launching the South Asian satellite on May 5. According to Mr Modi, the capacities of this satellite and the facilities which it provides will go a long way in addressing South Asia’s developmental priorities.
THE SATELLITE is equipped with transponders, which are exclusively meant to provide various communication applications in Ku-band for South Asian countries, excluding Pakistan.