On Thursday, India added GSAT 17 (Indian communications satellite) to its fleet of communication satellites after it was launched into orbit by heavy lift rocket, Ariane 5, from Kourou in French Guiana, said the European Space Agency, Arianespace (commercial launch service provider.)
Arianespace said in a statement GSAT 17 with a mass liftoff of 3,476 kg will expand the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) current fleet of 17 telecommunication satellites.
“It is to provide the continuity of Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) in Normal C and Upper Extended C bands, as well as the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) in S band and the Data Relay and Search and the Rescue services in UHF band operating from the final orbital position of 93.5 degrees East,” Arianespace said.
Arianespace said that it has launched 21 satellites for ISRO, extending the relationship that dates back to 1981 with the launch of APPLE experimental satellite.
According to ISRO, GSAT 17 would be positioned at its designated orbital slot in the geostationary orbit. Apparently, it would be co located with some of the Indian operational geostationary satellites.
“Later, it is planned to turn on the communication payloads of the satellite. After the successful completion of all the in orbit tests, GSAT-17 will be ready for operational use,” ISRO explained.
