GSAT-10 to be launched on September 29

India’s much-awaited advanced communication satellite GSAT-10 will be launched from Kourou, French Guiana on September 29. The launch will take place at 2.48 am (IST) into a geosynchronous transfer orbit by Ariane-5 launch vehicle.

The satellite was originally scheduled to be launched on September 22. However, a minor glitch had led to the postponement of the GSAT-10 satellite launch.

According to ISRO, while carrying out inspections Arianspace, the launch agency had found that the air hose connecting the launch pad and the vehicle was slightly damaged.

ISRO sources said that when such damage occurs small particles of dust could have gone inside.

Arianspace has conducted and rectified the glitch so that the satellite would now be launched on September 29.

The GSAT-10 weighing 3400 kg at lift-off is configured to carry a total of 30 communication transponders in normal C-band, lower extended C-band and Ku-band, as well as a GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload operating in L 1 and L 5 bands. GSAT -10 is the second satellite to carry GAGAN payload after GSAT-8.

INSAT-3E satellite services restored
Meanwhile, ISRO’s INSAT-3E satellite service, which was disrupted as the satellite had lost the Earth link on September 22, has been restored as well. The satellite provides high-speed communication, television, VSAT and tele-education services.
ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan was involved in restoring the service. The INSAT-3E Satellite was restored to its normal condition at 8.45pm on Saturday.

INSAT-3E is the fourth satellite that has been launched in the INSAT-3 series. It is an exclusive communication satellite to augment the communication services that are being provided by the INSAT system. Weighing 2775 kg at lift-off, INSAT-3E carries 24 Normal C-band and 12 Extended C-band transponders. It was launched in 2003.