Count down began: India to launch INSAT-4CR

NI Wire

New Delhi

Sat, 01 Sep 2007: 

Sep 01: Indian Space Research Organisation is all set to launch INSAT -4CR, a communication satellite through Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)The countdown began on Friday.

It will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. INSAT 4CR is a replacement satellite of INSAT 4C, which lost its path and was destroyed on July 10, 2006. It is three staged, propelled by solid, liquid and cryogenic engine and is 49 meter long. It carries 12 high-power Ku-band transponders which will provide direct-to-home (DTH) television services, and transmission of video picture through satellite.

Earlier these kinds of satellites were propelled by Russian made KVD-IM cryogenic engine, which has now been replaced by Indian made cryogenic engine.

GSLV was developed by ISRO to launch INSAT type satellite into geostationary orbit. A geostationary orbit is a circular orbit around the earth with an orbital period matching the earth rotation period.

The first launch of GSAT 1 in 2001 was partially successful while GSAT 2 in 2003 was fully successful. In 2004 GSLV-FO1 carried EDUSAT, and GSLV-FO2 carrying INSAT 4C was destroyed after 56 second of its launch. The failure of INSAT-4C has restricted the domestic broadcast capacity but Panamsat, Lockheed Martin’s LMI ABS and Singapore’s ST1 can be used with transmission services over the Indian region.

The ISRO has a capacity of 200 transponders and has been planned to increase up to 500 to make a mark in the global market. The television and communication boom has increased the demand of direct to home services.

India is moving ahead with its satellite programme and has made its presence felt in the world. Earlier this year, India had launched Italian astronomical satellite AGILE through its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and demonstrated its cost effective launch vehicle programme for commercial purposes.

With a moon mission ahead, India is ready to compete with United States, Russia, China and European Space Agency.