Rediff On The NeT: Insat-2D launched into space

Insat-2D launched into space

Insat Insat-2D, the fourth of the second generation indigenous multi-purpose satellites, was shot into space by Europe's Ariane rocket in a flawless launch from Kourou at the French Guiana Space Centre early on Wednesday.

As the 2070 kg satellite and its companion, the Inmarsat, rode into space, scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation broke into cheers.

The satellite was airlifted to Kourou from Bangalore on April 9 for the launch.

The launch was delayed for a few minutes. But thereafter everything went without a hitch. It rose from the ground with a roar that echoed through the jungles beyond, spewing orange-yellow flames that hit the ground and send up curling piles of smoke.

Insat 2D was launched just 19 minutes after take off and put into the same orbit as its cousin, the Insat-2A at 74 degrees east longtitude. The satellite is expected to be operational in the first week of July.

During the launch phase, the network support will be provided by space stations at Perth, Australia, Fucino in Italy, and Clarkesburg in the US.

ISRO sources said the cost of the launch was around $ 62 million and that of the satellite around $ 40 million.

The satellite has 12 transponders in the normal C band and six in the extended C band. It is also fitted with three Ku band transponders providing coverage for Indian metros. Like the Insat-2C, the satellites also have separate transponders for mobile satellite services, besides one S band transponder to broadcast satellite services.

The satellite is aimed at enhancing the country's telecommunication and broadcasting capacity and beam television programmes to south east Asia and west Asia.

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