India to launch GSAT-9 satellite, Modi's gift to SAARC nations on May 5

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday said that India is all set to launch GSAT-9 communication satellite on May 5, using its heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09).

The objective of this communication satellite is to provide different communication applications in Ku-band with coverage over South Asian countries, ISRO said. "GSAT-9 is configured around the ISRO's standard I-2K bus, with lift off 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 more than 12 years," it further added.

The ISRO official said that flying with indigenous cryogenic engine, this mission GSLV-F09 would blast off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

An ISRO official said, "GSLV-F09 will be launched from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR) at Sriharikota on May 5."

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