Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay says the launch of the South Asia Satellite is a historic moment for the South Asia region.
Lyonchhen made the comment at a video conference held with the leaders of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, to mark the successful launch of the South Asia Satellite or GSAT-9.
The South Asia Satellite, India’s gift to its neighbouring countries, was launched at 4:57 local time from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.
A news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Lyonchhen thanked India for “building and launching the satellite for the common progress of South Asia region”. He added it is an important milestone ushering in a new era of regional cooperation that seeks to harness space technology and its applications for the great benefit of the member countries.
Lyonchhen said it is also an invaluable asset in disaster management for a country like Bhutan that is vulnerable to earthquakes. The news release adds that the satellite will bring great benefits for Bhutan that has limited technical capacity and resources to launch its own satellites and spends considerable amounts for various satellite services.
The South Asia Satellite will enable full range of applications and services in the areas of tele-communication and broadcasting applications among others.
The satellite is also expected to help support water conservation initiatives by providing data, forecasting weather and sending alerts on natural disasters.
The proposal for a regional satellite, which was first discussed by the SAARC Information Ministers in April 1998, has now been realized with the launch of the South Asia Satellite.
The satellite technology will enable Bhutan to venture into new areas such as Navigation & GIS systems, earth observation and help overcome the challenges to progress in the scientific field. It will also serve as a critical communication link during times of natural disasters.
The mission life of the South Asia Satellite is estimated to be around 12 years.
