South Asian satellite, proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the benefit of SAARC members, will be launched in March 2017. This was originally scheduled to launch in December 2016. Modi, during the SAARC summit in Nepal in November 2014, had announced the launching of SAARC satellite as a gift for the benefit of members of the regional grouping in various fields, including telecommunication and telemedicine.
Since Pakistan is now not in the project, it is called South Asian satellite. On GSLV Mark III likely to be launched in December, the ISRO Chairman said preparations were on in “full swing”, “We have started the assembly for the launch in Sriharikota. So we are working towards making it happen as early as possible and are targeting for launch by December end” He said.
This project is crucial for ISRO as it would help the countries to launch satellites weighing around four tonnes. On the third launch pad, the ISRO chief said it was necessary to make sure that the existing facility was being fully utilised.
Earlier, he addressed around 1,000 sportspersons drawn from 14 ISRO centres who are participating in the inter-centre sports meet, saying such activities helped to break barriers and reinvigorate mentally and physically, besides improving teamwork. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre Director Dr K Sivan was also present.