The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) plans to loft GSAT-5 on its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06) powered by a Russian cryogenic engine on Dec. 20.
Also known as Insat 4D, the 2,400-kg. (5,300-lb.) satellite features 24 regular C-band and 12 extended C-band transponders, and a design life of 12 years. It will be launched from India’s spaceport at Sriharikota.
Earlier this year, GSAT-4, the 19th geostationary satellite built by ISRO and the fourth in the GSAT series, failed to reach orbit because the GSLV-D3 malfunctioned. That mishap was later linked to a turbopump failure (Aerospace DAILY, April 16, July 12).
Preparations are also underway to loft PSLV-C16, which will carry India’s advanced remote-sensing Resourcesat-2 and auxiliary satellites Youthsat and X-sat by the end of December, ISRO says.
GSAT-5 photo: ISRO
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