'Made in India' South-Asia satellite launched successfully
The much anticipated SAARC satellite, which PM Modi had stated was a gift to India's South Asian neighbours has been launched successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The satellite will provide among other things, communication channels for better co-ordination during disaster management. It will also help countries in mapping terrain and natural resources.
ISRO to launch SAARC satellite in March 2017
In 2014, at the SAARC summit, PM Modi had proposed an ambitious satellite launch, which would benefit members of all SAARC countries. The satellite was expected to be launched in 2016. The satellite would benefit in fields such as telecommunication and telemedicine. PM Modi hailed the satellite calling it a 'gift' to all the SAARC nations and one that would strengthen cooperation between nations.
Cost of the SAARC Satellite mission
The entire cost of launching the satellite for SAARC countries is expected to touch Rs. 235 crore. The cost connected with this launch will be completely met by the Government of India.
Pakistan opts out of SAARC satellite mission, mission gets re-christened
It was announced that Pakistan had chosen to "opt out" of the lofty SAARC satellite project that was proposed during the 18th SAARC summit in Nepal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all sister countries almost one and a half years back. Post this, the satellite project was renamed South Asia satellite from SAARC satellite.
Why Pakistan backed out of the SAARC satellite mission?
Pakistan allegedly displayed anxieties by claiming that the SAARC satellite could enable India to have access and get crucial data on Pakistan's "sensitive information database infrastructure".
Bangladesh formally joins India's South Asia Satellite mission
Bangladesh inked an accord with India to officially join India's 'South Asia Satellite' enterprise, through which the ISRO would be launching a communication satellite in the service of the entire South Asia region. The satellite will allow each participating country to utilize a dedicated transponder with 36 to 54 Mhz capacity for its private application and be liable for content production and its control.
Satellite for benefit of all neighbors, barring Pakistan
The satellite has a "lift-off mass of 2,195 kg, would carry 12 ku-band transponders." Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar said Pakistan was not included as "they did not want to be part of the project."
