GSAT-9 is a Geostationary Communication Satellite that will provide various communication applications in Ku-band with coverage over South Asian countries. It is configured around the ISRO’s standard I-2K bus, with lift off mass of 2230 kg. 

Taking their place in the space race, Indian Space Research Organisation is gearing up for a launch this week of a gift that will provide free service to those in need.

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 satellite will provide different communication applications in Ku-band with coverage over South Asian countries. 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. 

The South Asia Satellite has 12 Ku-band transponders in which India's neighbors can use to increase communications. Each country will get access to at least one transponder in which they can beam their own programming and there could be common South Asian programming as well.

"India is opening its heart out to its neighbors," explains External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay, adding “neighborhood first is now being extended beyond the stratosphere.” This gift of a communications satellite is for use by neighbors at no cost. Currently there is nothing else like this as most other nations' services are commercial for-profit enterprises.  This communications satellite is at no cost to those receiving its services. 

Prashant Agarwal, an IIT Kanpur-trained engineer and the point-person in the Ministry of External Affairs piloting the project, says, “Prime Minister Modi has actually extended his slogan Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas to Indias neighborhood essentially to service the needs of the poor in South Asia.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is placing the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in a new orbit by providing this space-based platform that would cost the participating nations almost USD 1,500 million over the 12-year life of the satellite.

This indigenous cryogenic engine, mission GSLV-F09, will launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.