ISRO set to launch communication satellite GSAT-17 from French Guiana tomorrow

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its GSAT-17 communication satellite from French Guiana's Kourou tomorrow, with an Ariane-5 launch vehicle.

Meanwhile, Arianespace tweeted that the vehicle, which will launch another communications satellite (Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN), had reached the launch zone.

GSAT-17 will be the 21st ISRO satellite to be launched by Arianespace, and the third ISRO launch in less than a month. On June 5, ISRO launched an advanced communication satellite GSAT-19 using its and heaviest and most powerful geostationary rocket from Shriharikota.

On June 23, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C38) successfully launched the Cartosat-2 series satellite - which was dedicated to the defence forces - along with 30 nano satellites.

MORE ABOUT GSAT-17

GSAT-17 is the latest satellite inducted into the INSAT/GSAT system.

Weighing 3477 kg at lift-off, GSAT-17 carries payloads in normal C, Extended C and S bands to provide various communication services.

It also carries equipment for



meteorological data relay, and satellite-based search and rescue services provided by earlier INSAT satellites.

After GSAT-17's injection into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan will take control of the satellite and perform the initial orbit raising maneuvers, placing it in Geostationary orbit.

The satellite will become operational after on-orbit testing. The designed in-orbit operational life of GSAT-17 is about 15 years.

Recent Launches of ISRO

Jun, 23, 2017: PSLV-C38 Successfully Launches 31 Satellites in a Single Flight  

Jun, 05, 2017: ISRO had launched its most powerful and heaviest geostationary rocket carrying advanced communication satellite GSAT-19

May, 05, 2017: GSLV Successfully Launches South Asia Satellite

Feb 15, 2017: PSLV-C37 Successfully Launches 104 Satellites in a Single Flight

Dec, 07, 2016: PSLV-C36 Successfully Launches RESOURCESAT-2A Remote Sensing Satellite

Oct, 06, 2016: India's GSAT-18 Communication Satellite Launched Successfully