Countdown starts for GSAT-5P launchCountdown starts for GSAT-5P launch

ISRO The fully integrated, three-stage GSLV-F06 at Sriharikota. File Photo

The count down has started for the launch of India’s latest communication satellite GSAT-5P on board GSLV-F06 launch vehicle from Sriharikota on Saturday.

ISRO spokesperson S. Satish told PTI that the 30-hour count down started at 10.04 hours this morning and was progressing well.

The launch of the satellite, which was originally scheduled for December 20, had been postponed after a leak in the Russian cryogenic engine on board the launch vehicle.

GSAT-5P with 24 C-band transponders and 12 extended C-band transponders is meant for augmenting communication services currently provided by Indian National Satellite System (INSAT). It is meant to boost TV, telemedicine and tele-education, and telephone services.

The satellite, developed by ISRO Satellite Centre, Bangalore, is the fifth in the GSAT series. It has a designed mission life of 12 years.

Keywords: GSLV-F06, GSAT-5P, ISRO, launch, Sriharikota

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