Rediff On The NeT: Insat-2D launch was 'majestic'

Insat-2D launch was 'majestic'

Space Secretary Dr K Kasturirangan termed the departure into space of Insat-2D, the fourth of the second generation Insat-2 satellites, as "a majestic launch with copy book precision".

Looking most cheerful, Dr Kasturirangan told a gathering at French Guiana, shortly after the launch, that the injection parameters were normal and the flight was a delight to watch. "It was a very good spectacle and each stage was interesting until the satellite was separated from the Ariane launcher," he added.

Although there were some anxious moments initially, he said the Inmarsat was detached 13 minutes after the third stage process was over. "Our hearts stopped beating for a while until the telemetry signal showed that Insat-2D too had separated from Ariane," he said.

Dr Kasturirangan said the master control facility at Hassan had tracked the satellite and noted that all health parameters of the satellite were normal.

With the launch of Insat-2D, India will have better communication capability for television broadcasts, mobile communication and various types of networks, including VSAT. "However, we still have a long way to go," Dr Kasturirangan -- who is also chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation -- added.

Sweets were distributed at the launch centre to celebrate the successful launch and after the MCF in Hassan clarified that all health parameters were functioning normally.

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