Live: India launches satellite for South Asian countries from Andhra Pradesh

The South Asia Satellite has been launched on 5 May by the Indian Space Research organization (ISRO). The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV F-09 carrying the communication and broadcasting satellite has taken off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikotta.

Here are the Highlights:

05: 45 PM - ISRO team has led from the front in developing the South Asia Satellite as per the regions' requirements and flawlessly launching it: PM Modi

05: 42 PM - Our coming together is a sign of our unshakeable resolve to place the needs of our peoples in the forefront. Through this we will achieve effective communication, better governance, better banking services & better education in remote areas. Space technology will touch the lives of our people in the region: PM Modi

05: 40 PM - We extend our close links into Outer Space. Grateful to fellow leaders from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka for joining me to celebrate this launch: PM Modi

05: 37 PM - Two years ago, India made a promise. A promise to extend the advanced space technology for the cause of growth and prosperity of our brothers and sisters in South Asia. With this launch we have started a journey to build the most advanced frontier of our partnership: PM

05: 36 PM - Today is a historic day for South Asia, a day without precedence: PM Modi

05: 35 PM - Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his speech after the successful launch of South Asian Satellite.

05: 15 PM - Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed successful launch of South Asian Satellite saying that is a historic moment.

05: 00 PM -  India launches satellite for South Asian countries from Andhra Pradesh

01:00 PM - The 28-hour countdown for the launch of the South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9 is progressing smoothly at the spaceport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent radio address to the nation 'Mann Ki Baat' has said the South Asia Satellite is India's gift to the region, that will go a long way in addressing the economic and development priorities of the nations in the region.

Six of India's neighbours including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Srilanka and the Maldives are participating in the space-based regional communication project.

The satellite weighing 2230 kilogram during lift off and carrying 12 Ku-Band transponders has been developed at a cost of about 235-crore rupees and the total cost of the project including the launch is worked out to be about 450-crore rupees.

The intended operational life of the satellite is more than 12 years and it cost Rs. 235 crore.

The GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication Satellite and data from it will be shared with the other countries. It will help to meet the growing telecommunications and broadcasting needs of the region.

- - With ANI inputs

01:00 PM - The 28-hour countdown for the launch of the South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9 is progressing smoothly at the spaceport.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his recent radio address to the nation 'Mann Ki Baat' has said the South Asia Satellite is India's gift to the region, that will go a long way in addressing the economic and development priorities of the nations in the region.

Six of India's neighbours including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Srilanka and the Maldives are participating in the space-based regional communication project.

The satellite weighing 2230 kilogram during lift off and carrying 12 Ku-Band transponders has been developed at a cost of about 235-crore rupees and the total cost of the project including the launch is worked out to be about 450-crore rupees.

The intended operational life of the satellite is more than 12 years and it cost Rs. 235 crore.

The GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication Satellite and data from it will be shared with the other countries. It will help to meet the growing telecommunications and broadcasting needs of the region.

- - With ANI inputs