All you need to know about South Asia Satellite

The South Asia Satellite was launched atop a 50-meter tall rocket, the Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle on its 11th fl ight. It weighs 414 kg and will use an indigenous cryogenic engine.

The satellite, India's gift to its neighbours, will connect it with six other countries of South Asia. It reflects Modi govt's neighbourhood first policy.

ISRO built the 2,230-kg satellite, which uses a new propulsion system, over three years at a cost of Rs 235 crore. Its mission life is 12 years and the project costs over Rs 450 crore.

The satellite will provide telecommunication links among India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan

Each country can beam its own TV programmes while there will be the possibility for a common South Asia programming

The satellite will help the nations communicate better during disasters and it could help establish a hotline among them. The functions of the South Asia satellite will include telemedicine and education

The satellite has 12 Ku Band transponders, devices that help in communication. Each nation will get access to at least one transponder. India said it was ready to help them with the ground infrastructur

PM Modi has said the satellite embodies the “spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas... inclusive development for all.” That mantra, PM Modi said in his radio address Mann Ki Baat, was not confi ned to India alone. “It applies to the global context too and very specially to our neighbouring countries,” he said. The facilities of the satellite, the PM said: “Will go a long way in addressing South Asia’s economic and developmental priorities”

After taking offi ce in 2014, PM Modi had asked ISRO scientists to develop a South Asia satellite as a gift dedicated to neighbouring countries

Pakistan opted out of the project saying it has its “own space programme”. Pakistan has fi ve satellites but lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities