Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its next mission — the launch of naval defence satellite GSAT 7 — even as the revised launch dates for the aborted GSLV D5 mission are yet to be announced. The GSAT 7 or INSAT 4F is primarily meant for the use of the Indian Navy and other armed forces. It will cater to their telecommunication needs. According to ISRO, the satellite is configured to provide a wide range of spectrum ranging from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication. The satellite with a service life of 15 years will provide communication capabilities to users over a wide oceanic region as well as the Indian subcontinent. The satellite will be launched by the European space company Arianespace from its launch facility in Kourou, French Guiana between 2 to 2.50 am (Indian Standard Time) on August 30. The Ariane 5 launch vehicle will also have on board the EUTELSAT 25B/E. The GSAT 7 is expected to deploy the second around 34 minutes after the liftoff. Arianespace on Saturday said that the integration of both payloads were complete and the final pre-flight preperations were on. This will be followed by a final launch readiness review on August 27. The ISRO also announced the turning on of payloads aboard the INSAT 3D satellite which was recently launched by Arianespace. The satellite had developed some anomalies and resulted in terse moments for the ISRO’s scientists as they coaxed it to its preset orbit. An inquiry has been ordered into the same. However, the initial products from the satellite have already started coming in, the ISRO stated.
Source: New Indian Express
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