ISRO’s telecommunication satellites GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 have been planned to be launched from French Guiana in 2016—17.
“ISRO has chosen Arianespace to launch telecommunication satellites GSAT-17 and GSAT-18. The two satellites will be launched by Ariane 5 launch vehicles at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana in 2016-2017,” Arianespace said in a statement.
The two satellites weighing each 3,400 kgs, at the time of launch were designed, assembled and integrated by ISRO.
Both these satellites would be replacement for operational satellites providing services in multiple frequency bands including C, Extended-C and Ku Bands.
“The 34-year-old partnership between Arianespace and ISRO has gained new momentum with the signature of the GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 launch contracts,” Arianespace, Chairman and CEO, Stephane Israel, said.
“...it is a great honour indeed to be once more selected by ISRO for GSAT-17 and GSAT-18. Through these selections we will continue to contribute to the deployment of space applications in India for the benefit of its citizens,” he said.
“We are fully committed to continue this partnership that supports India’s ambitious objectives in space”, he said.
Soon after the successful launch of GSAT-15 from French Guiana yesterday, ISRO Satellite Centre Director Mayilsami Annadurai said two telecommunication satellites have been planned for launch by Ariane vehicle during next year.
“The realisation of both the satellites are in very advance stage”, he had said.
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.