Isro all set to launch South Asia (GSAT-9) Satellite today

Chennai: A 28-hour countdown for the Friday launch of the South Asia Satellite or

GSAT-9 commenced on Thursday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced.According to ISRO, the countdown began at 12.57 p.m.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-Mk II) carrying the GSAT-9 is expected to blast off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The GSAT-9 is being launched with an objective to provide different communication applications in Ku-band with coverage over South Asian countries, the ISRO stated.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the South Asia Satellite, will go a long way in addressing the region's economic and developmental priorities.

"The capacities of this satellite and the facilities it provides will go a long way in addressing South Asia's economic and developmental priorities," he said in his monthly radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

The space agency said that the GSAT-9 is configured around the ISRO's standard I-2K bus, with a lift-off mass of 2,230 kg, and the satellite's main structure is cuboid in shape built around a central cylinder with a mission life of more than 12 years. According to an official, ISRO on experimental basis decided to have electric power for the satellite.

He said the next satellite with electric power will be the GSAT-20 slated for launch next year. Meanwhile, the ISRO is also gearing up to launch its heaviest rocket GSLV-Mk III later this month.