ISRO set to launch INSAT 4C

Sriharikota, June 30 : The preparations for the launch of GSLV and PSLV vehicles, over the next few months, are in full swing at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation here.

GSLV-F2 will 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 yesterday said, preparations are 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.

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

INSAT 4C had reached the launch site and last minute check ups were on, before finally integrating it with the launch vehicle, he added.

With a high success rate of launches, India had demonstrated to the world of its capability to launch satellites up to two tonne class in geosynchronous transfer orbit and sun synchronous near earth orbits.

Dr Annamalai said a launch from the country would be around 30 to 35 per cent economical, compared to acquired launches outside. ''We are going to tap the global market in a big way,'' he added.

Ruling out the need for a third launch pad immediately, he said the two launch pads could be adequately utilised for the proposed launches in the near future.

He said ISRO was encouraging the private sector in a big way, which was contributing 100 per cent of the hardware requirement.

Their contribution would be further enhanced in a phased manner.

UNI