The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched their newest communication satellite GSAT-29, specifically for Northeast and Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
GSAT-29 carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders which will bridge the digital divide of users those in Jammu & Kashmir and North Eastern regions of India, under the ‘digital India’ programme.
After the successful launch of the GSLV MkIII-D2, the second developmental flight of GSLV MkIII, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, congratulated ISRO scientists.
He tweeted, “A great milestone for India as the #GSLVMkIIID2 successfully launches the sophisticated #GSAT29 in space. This is a huge boost to digital connectivity, especially in #NorthEast which is transforming into a growth hub. Congratulations to @isro & the team of scientists behind it.”
A great milestone for India as the #GSLVMkIIID2 successfully launches the sophisticated #GSAT29 in space. This is a huge boost to digital connectivity, especially in #NorthEast which is transforming into a growth hub.
Congratulations to @isro & the team of scientists behind it.
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 14, 2018
Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also congratulated the ISRO team for this milestone. He tweeted, “I celebrate with pride the successful launch of GSLV MK III- D2 carrying #GSAT29. The 67th launch from #Sriharikota records heaviest satellite in orbit by an Indian launch vehicle. Kudos team @isro. This shall especially boost connectivity in the North East.”
I celebrate with pride the successful launch of GSLV MK III- D2 carrying #GSAT29. The 67th launch from #Sriharikota records heaviest satellite in orbit by an Indian launch vehicle. Kudos team @isro. This shall especially boost connectivity in the North East. pic.twitter.com/rEv1pRIJCf
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 14, 2018
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists on the successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite. “My heartiest congratulations to our scientists on the successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite. The double success sets a new record of putting the heaviest satellite in orbit by an Indian launch vehicle. The satellite will provide communication and internet services to the remotest corners of our country”.
“The high-speed bandwidth will bridge the digital divide in the hinterland,” ISRO Chairman K Sivan told TOI.
The successful launch of GSAT-29 adds to a series of test flights ISRO is carrying out to develop the agency’s heaviest rocket for the manned space mission. The satellite weighing 3,424 kg, the has been designed for a mission lifespan of 10 years.