Telangana CM congratulates ISRO for successful GSAT 9 launch

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Friday hailed the successful launch of GSAT 9 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Rao said," I congratulate scientist at ISRO for the successful launch of GSAT 9 which will be beneficial to seven countries from the South Asian region."

"I hope that ISRO would continue to conduct successful experiments," he added.

Terming the successful launch of South Asian Satellite as 'historic', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said it opens up new horizons of engagement.

"Today is a historic day for South Asia...a day without precedence. 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," Prime Minister Modi said.

Congratulating the team of scientists who worked hard for the successful launch of South Asia Satellite, the Prime Minister said they are very proud of them.

"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. 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 and better education in remote areas," he added.

He further said that space technology will touch the lives of the people in the region.

Prime Minister Modi along with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Maldives President Abdullah Yamin, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Nepal Prime Minister P. K. Dahal joined via video conference.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) carrying the GSAT-9 or the "South Asia" satellite took off at 4:57 p.m. on Friday.

Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the rocket blasted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, about 135 km from here.

The satellite, costing around Rs 235 crore, is meant for providing communication and disaster support, connectivity among the countries of South Asia region. Its mission life will span 12 years.

This is India's eleventh GSLV launch and its fourth consecutive flight using an indigenous Cryogenic engine powering the upper stage.