Satellite & Cable

July 28, 2003
INSAT - 3E to launch by end August

BANGALORE -- ISRO's latest communication satellite, the INSAT-3E, has been transported to Kourou in French Guyana for its launch on board the European Ariane launch vehicle by the end of August 2003. The spacecraft, along with the ground check out and other equipment left Bangalore on July 15 by an AN-124 cargo aircraft and reached Cayenne Airport the next day. The satellite was then transported by road to the launch centre at Kourou in French Guyana.

INSAT-3E is the fourth satellite to be launched in the INSAT-3 series. The INSAT-3A, INSAT-3B and INSAT-3C have already been commissioned and the INSAT-3D, an advanced meteorological satellite, will be launched during 2004-05. Weighing 2,750kg at lift off, INSAT-3E carries 24 C-band and 12 extended C-band transponders. When commissioned, it will substantially enhance the INSAT system capacity, which now provides about 120 transponders in C-, extended C-, Ku- and S-bands, meeting the requirements of various users.

In the coming weeks, the appendages like antennae and solar panels will be integrated with the INSAT-3E and the total spacecraft will be tested in detail. After propellant filling operations are over, it will be mated with the Ariane vehicle for its launch.

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ISRO
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