India To Launch GSAT-5 Communications Sat Dec 13, 2010 By Neelam Mathews NEW DELHI 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 Y...