ISRO recalls mega GSAT-11 from Arianespace's rocket port for re-tests

The Indian Space Research Organisation has recalled GSAT-11, the heaviest communication satellite for conducting additional technical checks.

The 5,700-kg high-throughput or Internet broadband satellite had reached French Guiana in South America on March 30 and was slated for launch on May 26 (IST).

"Due to additional technical checks with the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) GSAT-11 satellite, to be conducted from the ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) located in Bengaluru, the Ariane 5 launch initially planned for 25 May, VA243, has been postponed," Arianespace said on 25 April.

GSAT-11 is aimed at providing multiple spot beam coverage in Ka and Ku bands over the Indian region and nearby islands. Its 12 Gbps service is expected to be far more superior to older Indian communication satellites.

While Ariane said that none of its other scheduled launched is impacted, sources said that the GSAT-11 developed a few technical problems after reaching the launch site. The satellite had reached French Guiana on March 30, reports ToI.

ISRO has yet to state a reason for withdrawing GSAT-11. The move comes as ISRO tries to recover GSAT-6, an Indian telecom satellite that went silent after its March 29 launch.

The GSAT-11 satellites -was seen as potential game changers and can revolutionise communications by empowering a Digital India and providing Internet services and streaming like never before.