ISRO to launch South Asia satellite on May 5

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the South Asia Satellite will be launched by India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on May 5.

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

The launch of the satellite, intended to serve the SAARC region, was announced by Modi during the SAARC summit at Nepal in November 2014.

"It is an important step by India to enhance cooperation with the entire South Asia... It is an invaluable gift. This is an appropriate example of our commitment towards South Asia. I welcome all the South Asian countries who have joined us on the South Asia Satellite in this momentous endeavour," he added.

The communication satellite GSAT-9 will be launched using Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09)