India to launch advanced communication satellite Dec 20
Chennai: India will on December 20 launch the advanced GSAT-5P communication satellite that will replace the aging INSAT 2E and ensure continuity of telecom and television services, an official said. "The launch window will open at 1600 hours on December 20," Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) director (publications and public relations) S. Satish told the sources. Carrying the 2,300 kg GSAT-5P with 36 transponders, India's heavy rocket - the geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) - will blast off from ISRO's second launch pad at Sriharikota, around 80 km from here between 4 and 4.30 p.m. According to officials, the fully assembled rocket was moved to the launch pad and anchored there on Sunday morning around 7.45 a.m. The satellite was placed inside the heat shield last week. ISRO officials told the sources that the process of filling the liquid and cryogenic fuel will begin around 30 hours before the actual flight when the countdown begins. Prior to ...