South Asia Satellite launched ; Here are 5 interesting facts about PM Modi's dream project

On 5 May, India will launch the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) carrying the South Asian satellite from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikotta at 4.57 pm.

The satellite, which is a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to provide communication, disaster support and connectivity among the countries of the South Asian region.

PM Modi talked about his dream project recently in his radio address to the nation 'Mann Ki Baat' and said that the satellite is India's gift to the region.

The launch of India’s south Asian satellite is widely considered as the display of India’s soft power and a way to increase India’s regional influence in the South Asian region.

Here are five interesting facts about South Asian Satellite:

1. The satellite was to be named “SAARC Satellite” but its name was changed to South Asia Satellite after Pakistan declined to participate in the project. 6 of India's neighbouring countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Srilanka and the Maldives - are participating in the space-based regional communication project.

2. The satellite was initially proposed to be launched in December last year but it got delayed.

3. South Asian satellite will be carried in a 50m tall rocket that weighs 412 tons. The satellite will weigh 2230 kilogramme during lift off.

4. The functions of the South Asia satellite will include natural resources mapping, telemedicine, education, deeper IT connectivity. Data from the GSAT-9 will be shared with the other south Asian countries.

5. The popular south Asian satellite had been built at a cost of Rs. 235 crore. While the total cost of the project was Rs. 450 crore. The intended operational life of the satellite is more than 12 years.