# GSAT-9

> Indian communications satellite for the SAARC Region

**Wikidata**: [Q5514536](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5514536)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Asia_Satellite)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat-9

## Summary
GSAT-9, also known as the South Asia Satellite, is an Indian communications satellite launched in 2017 to provide telecommunications services to the SAARC region. It was developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to enhance regional cooperation and connectivity among South Asian nations.

## Key Facts
- GSAT-9 was launched on May 5, 2017, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad
- It has a mass of 2,230 kilograms and operates in geostationary orbit
- The satellite was launched using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II
- GSAT-9 is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- It was manufactured by U. R. Rao Satellite Centre and Space Applications Centre
- The satellite's COSPAR ID is 2017-024A
- GSAT-9 is also known as SAARC satellite, South Asia Satellite, or GSAT 9
- It has 14 sitelinks and Wikipedia articles in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Bengali, and others

## FAQs
### Q: What is GSAT-9?
A: GSAT-9 is an Indian communications satellite launched in 2017 to provide telecommunications services to the SAARC region. It was developed by ISRO to enhance regional cooperation and connectivity among South Asian nations.

### Q: Which countries benefit from GSAT-9?
A: GSAT-9, also known as the South Asia Satellite, was designed to benefit all SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) member countries, including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

### Q: What is the significance of GSAT-9 for South Asia?
A: GSAT-9 represents a major step in regional cooperation by providing a shared satellite infrastructure for telecommunications, broadcasting, and disaster management services. It helps bridge the digital divide and promotes technological advancement across South Asia.

### Q: How was GSAT-9 launched?
A: GSAT-9 was launched on May 5, 2017, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II).

### Q: What are the technical specifications of GSAT-9?
A: GSAT-9 has a mass of 2,230 kilograms and operates in geostationary orbit. It was manufactured by U. R. Rao Satellite Centre and Space Applications Centre, with COSPAR ID 2017-024A.

## Why It Matters
GSAT-9 represents a significant achievement in regional space cooperation, serving as a symbol of South Asian solidarity and technological self-reliance. The satellite provides crucial telecommunications infrastructure to countries that might not have the resources to develop their own space capabilities. It enables disaster management, telemedicine, education broadcasting, and other essential services across the region. By sharing satellite resources rather than duplicating efforts, GSAT-9 promotes cost-effective regional development and strengthens diplomatic ties among SAARC nations. The project demonstrates how space technology can be leveraged to address common challenges and foster inclusive growth in developing regions.

## Notable For
- Being the first dedicated satellite for the SAARC region, serving all member countries
- Demonstrating India's capability to build and launch advanced communication satellites for regional cooperation
- Providing a shared infrastructure that reduces the need for individual countries to develop their own space capabilities
- Enhancing disaster management and emergency response capabilities across South Asia
- Promoting digital inclusion and technological advancement in the region through affordable satellite services

## Body
### Overview
GSAT-9, officially known as the South Asia Satellite, is an Indian communications satellite designed to serve the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) region. The satellite was launched on May 5, 2017, and is operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

### Technical Specifications
- Mass: 2,230 kilograms
- Orbit: Geostationary orbit
- COSPAR ID: 2017-024A
- Manufacturer: U. R. Rao Satellite Centre and Space Applications Centre
- Operator: Indian Space Research Organisation

### Launch Details
- Launch Date: May 5, 2017
- Launch Vehicle: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II)
- Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad
- Mission: Deployment of GSAT-9 into geostationary orbit

### Purpose and Applications
GSAT-9 was developed to provide telecommunications services to all SAARC member countries, including:
- Telecommunications
- Broadcasting
- Disaster management
- Telemedicine
- Education broadcasting

### Regional Impact
The satellite represents a significant step in regional space cooperation, providing shared infrastructure that benefits all participating countries. It helps bridge the digital divide and promotes technological advancement across South Asia.

### Alternative Names
- SAARC satellite
- South Asia Satellite
- GSAT 9

### Media Presence
GSAT-9 has 14 sitelinks and Wikipedia articles in multiple languages including Bengali, German, English, Hindi, Hungarian, Latvian, Malayalam, Marathi, and Nepali.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/list-of-gslv-launches)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/list-of-communication-satellites)