NEW DELHI: The satellite proposed to be launched by India for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member nations will have 12 Ku-Band transponders. The total cost of launching the satellite is estimated to be about Rs 235 crore.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will use Indian Geostationary Launch Vehicle GSLV Mk-II for the launch. 

While members from other countries of the region expressed enthusiasm at a one-day conference on “Satellite for SAARC Region and Space Technology Applications” here to appraise and discuss the proposal, Pakistan had some questions and wanted some time before giving its consent. 

Space Minister Jitendra Singh told Parliament this week that the cost associated with the launch will be met by the Indian Government.  

The proposed satellite enables full range of applications and services to neighbouring countries in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting applications namely television, direct-to-home (DTH), Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), tele-education, telemedicine and disaster management support.