Preparations on in full swing in Sriharikota for INSAT 4C launch

Sriharikota, June 29 (UNI) Preparations are on in full swing at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre here of the Indian Space Research Organisation for the launch of GSLV and PSLV vehicles over the next few months.

GSLV-F2 would first take to the skies to hurl into geosynchronous transfer orbit the fourth generation communication satellite INSAT 4C in the middle of July, followed a month later by a PSLV flight (PSLV-C7) carrying Cartosat-2, besides two other experimental satellites -- Satellite Recovery Experiment (SRE) and an Indonesian satellite.

Briefing visiting newspersons at the launch site, Space Centre Director Dr M Annamalai said ''prepartions are on in full swing,'' with a hectic schedule ahead. The Centre was also preparing for another flight of the GSLV after December this year, he added.

Weighing 2,180 kg, INSAT 4C housed 12 high power KU band transponders providing India coverage. It would enhance the requirement of VSAT coverage across the country.

The GSLV-F2 would be launched from the brand new second launch pad.

Dr Annamalai said the Satish Dhawan Space Centre would be handling four satellites next year--two of PSLV class and two GSLV.

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