Thanks for making us proud, says PM Modi after ISRO successfully launches South Asia satellite

Soon after ISRO successfully launched Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) carrying the GSAT-9 satellite, which is popularly known as the South Asia satellite, from Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the scientists and said that the ‘Nation is proud of them’.

PM Modi took to his official Twitter handle to express his feelings and wrote: “I congratulate the team of scientists who worked hard for the successful launch of South Asia Satellite. We are very proud of them.”

Precisely at 4.57 p.m. on Friday, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) rose into the sky from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in AP.

Made at a total cost of Rs 235 crore, this satelite will provide communication and disaster support, connectivity among the countries of South Asia region. Its mission life will span 12 years.

“The historic occasion has



been made better with a surprise- we have leaders of South Asian nations joining us in celebrating this launch,” the PM tweeted.

Heads of other states also joined in congratulate India for  this spectacular achievement. Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay said ” It is an impressive milestone in the history of the world. “My heartfelt thanks to PM Modi for dedicating to the common good and progress for all the neighbouring countries,” he said. This generous gift from India is a symbol of true cooperation and friendship, he added.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated on the successful launch, and said launching this satellite has changed the face of South Asia. Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, commenting on the launch, says “the advantages of cooperation outweigh the advantages of competition”. “The gap between talk and action is bridged today, the imperative of regional cooperation is changed to the reality,” Ghani added.