GSAT-16 rescheduled for launch on Sunday in third attempt

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-16 will be launched early Sunday at 2:10am from Kourou in French Guiana after it was deferred due to inclement weather at the launch base yesterday.

Zee Media Bureau

Bengaluru: India's latest communication satellite GSAT-16 will be launched early Sunday at 2:10am from Kourou in French Guiana after it was deferred due to inclement weather at the launch base today.

Designed to augment the national space capacity in communication services, GSAT-16 has a ift-off mass of 3,181 kg and is configured to carry a total of 48 communication transponders, the largest by a communication satellite developed by the ISRO so far.

Ariane 5 VA221 is to place in orbit GSAT-16 which is designed to augment the national space capacity in communication services, along with DIRECTV-14, built by SSL (Space Systems/Loral) for operator DIRECTV to provide direct-to-home television broadcasts across the US.

Facing capacity crunch, ISRO has leased 95 transponders on foreign satellites mainly for private TV broadcasters's use.

The satellite will boost public and private TV and radio services, large-scale Internet and telephone operations.

GSAT-16, which would replace INSAT-3E, decommissioned prematurely in April, has a designated on orbit operational life of 12 years. It will be the 18th satellite to be launched by Arianespace for ISRO.

The satellite will also boost public and private TV and radio services, large-scale Internet and telephone operations, as it improves the national space capacity with the 48 transponders joining 180 odd existing transponders with ISRO.

India's rockets PSLV and the present GSLV do not have the capability to launch satellites of more than two tonne class, prompting ISRO to opt for an outside launch.

ISRO is developing the next big launcher, GSLV-MkIII, which can put satellites of up to 4 tonnes in orbit.

(With Agency inputs)