Search the Internet           Tips

Efforts on to recover INSAT 2B

Engineers at INSAT Master Control Facility at Hassan in Karnataka are trying to recover INSAT-2B, which lost its 'earth lock' on Friday, sources at the Indian Space Research Organisation said.

The sources said that the recovery attempts have been difficult due to the depleted condition of the oxidiser on board the spacecraft which is required for orbit and attitude (orientation) controls.

INSAT-2B had completed its designed life of seven years in July 2000 but was still being utilised.

INSAT-2B was carrying some eight transponders in C-band, extended C-band and S-band (RPT S-band) and meteorology payload. Alternate service plans are being worked out for users.

According to the sources, two transponders were being used for VSAT services, one by Doordarshan and others by the Department of Telecommunications.

Tell us what you think of this report