The ambitious programme of launching heavier satellites through ISRO’s work horse launch vehicle GSLV with indigenized cryogenic engine will materialize in 2012.The Chairman of ISRO Dr. K Radhakrishnan informed this in a press conference in Bangalore on Wednesday. He said that cryogenic engine developed within the country is undergoing extensive tests that will be completed by March next year.It will carry GSAT 14 satellite when ready. But before that GSAT 12 will be launched in the second week of July. It will be carried to the launch station in Sriharikota on Thursday. PSLV-C-17 launch vehicle will launch this 1412 kg satellite.Another satellite to study environment called Meghatropics will be launched in September. He further informed that GSAT 8 that was launched on May 21 will be available to users in telecommunication sector by end of this month. Another payload called Gagan will aid functions of Airport Authority of India on experimental basis at the same time.The Chairman informed that full time Chairman and Managing Director for commercial arm Antrix Corporation will be announced in a few weeks time.Dr. Radhakrishnan said that ISRO has 170 transponders on its seven satellites, providing its services to 125 Government and private agencies in the areas of telecommunication, education, health, weather, geo-mapping and aviation.
News On AIR | June 1, 2011 9:54 PM
Launching of heavier satellites through GSLV in 2012: ISRO