The government has decided to set up one more launching site for satellites. The decision to find a new site was taken at a meeting held by the Prime Minister's Principal Secretary T K A Nair in New Delhi.

According to official sources, in a meeting to review performance of the Department of Space, it was decided that a feasibility study will be conducted for a new site.

The meeting was also informed that despite successful launch of GSAT-8 and GSAT-12 satellites, there is shortage of transponders primarily due to DTH and communication requirements.

During recent years, there have been requests from a number of countries for launching their satellites in India. The two launch pads for satellite in the country are located at Sriharikota High Altitude Range, SHAR, both affected during the cyclone season.

At present, Department of Space is leasing transponders and using foreign launch vehicles to meet the needs.