After successful mega-launch, ISRO planning to put SAARC satellite into orbit next month

New Delhi: After scripting history by launching 104 satellites into space on single rocket, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch two satellites including the one meant for the benefit of SAARC nations, in March and April this year.

If this launch is too planned successfully, it will be ISRO's second big achievement in the year 2017.

"We are planning to launch two satellites, one each in March and April this year," ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar told reporters to a question on the line up.

"Preparations are on in full swing," he added.

According to ISRO officials, the GSLV MARK II will carry the SAARC satellite, and the GSLV MARK III will inject the GSAT-19, a communication satellite.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the SAARC summit at Nepal in November 2014, had announced launching of a SAARC satellite as a gift for the benefit of members of the regional grouping in various fields, including telecommunication and telemedicine.

Since Pakistan has 'opted out' of the project, the SAARC satellite is now being called the South Asian satellite.

About launch of the second lunar mission Chandrayaan?2, the ISRO Chairman said, "We are targeting first quarter of 2018 for the launch."

To a query on plans for human spaceflight programmes by the agency, he said "It is not our priority right now."

(With PTI inputs)