Centre approves Euro pad for satellite launch

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday awarded Europe’s Arianespace a $67.5 million contract to launch the GSAT-8/INSAT-4G satellite by the end of 2008.

The Union cabinet gave its approval for placement of contract with Arianespace for launching the satellite at a price not exceeding US $67.5 million (Rs297 crore), an official statement said. This will facilitate the “timely launch” of the satellite in 2008-09, added the statement.

The proposed satellite will add 18 more high-powered Ku-band DTH transponders to the existing 24 that are available from INSAT-4A and 4B, which are already in orbit. An ISRO official said the new transponders will boost the DTH services in the country.

The INSAT-4G would play a crucial role in helping ISRO perfect the technology of creating India’s own GPS system called GAGAN.

Proposed to be a six-satellite system in six years, GAGAN would reduce air traffic congestion and propel India with a dedicated global positioning system.