Nellore: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), probably for the first time, has not invited the press to cover the launch of the GSLV-F09/GSAT-9 Mission. The launch is scheduled for Friday evening at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Shar, Sriharikota.
The 28-hour long countdown, which began at 12.57 pm on Thursday, is progressing smoothly and the launch is scheduled for 4.57 pm on Friday.
However, officials in Shar are tight lipped over the reasons for disallowing media coverage. Though sources attributed it for security reasons, officials will not confirm or deny this.
Central Industrial Security Force and police authorities deployed a large contingent of their personnel fortifying the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and its surroundings in view of the launch.
The Friday’s launch will put in orbit a communication satellite equipped with transponders exclusively meant for use by South Asian countries, except Pakistan.
The satellite could be used for natural resources mapping, for telemedicine, research in the field of education, to deepen IT connectivity or for fostering people- to-people contact.
Sources in Isro said the government-owned Doordarshan is also not likely to beam a live telecast of the event, though it is going to record the launch. Incidentally, a parliamentary committee will witness the launch from Shar.
A senior official in Shar said they are merely following instructions from their headquarters and are not aware of the reasons for restricting media access.
According to sources, Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi will interact with the chairman of Isro through video conference soon after the laun-ch, and after that he will also talk to heads of Saarc nations, enumerating the benefits of the satellite. It is speculated that Doordarshan may telecast selected footage pertaining to the launch and parts of the PM’s address after his video conference, a Shar official said.
ISRO chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar has conducted a review with senior scientists and elicited information on preparations for the launch. He has also inspected the launch pad and progress of GSLV-Mk III integration.
