Total cost of launching the SAARC satellite is estimated to be about Rs 235 crore The proposed satellite enables full range of applications and services to our neighbors in the areas of telecommunic

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to provide space based systems for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation member nations. It is proposed to build a satellite for SAARC region with 12 Ku-band transponders and launch using Indian Geostationary Launch Vehicle GSLV Mk-II.

A one-day conference on “Satellite for SAARC Region and Space Technology Applications” was organized by India in New Delhi on June 22, 2015 to appraise and discuss the proposal. Delegations from all the SAARC member nations have participated in the conference. The response of all the SAARC nations to the proposal has been encouraging. Pakistan while welcoming the initiative raised some queries on technical and operational aspects. Pakistan desired further discussions before giving its consent.

The total cost of launching the satellite is estimated to be about Rs 235 crore. The cost associated with the launch will be met by Government of India.

The proposed satellite enables full range of applications and services to our neighbors in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications viz. Television, Direct-to-Home (DTH), Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), Tele-education, Telemedicine and Disaster Management Support.

This information was given by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in reply to unstarred question in Rajya Sabha today.

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