India to Launch Communication Satellite

Text of unattributed report headlined “GSLV-F04 all set for take off on Sunday” published by Indian TV channel DD News website on 31 August

“The countdown for the launch will start on Saturday [1 September] afternoon,” ISRO [Indian Space Research Organization] sources said.

The 49-metre tall rocket will be launched at 4.21 P.M. [1051 gmt] from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, they said.

The GSLV-F04 [Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F04], the fifth in the GSLV series, will put INSAT-4CR into a Geosynchronous Transfer orbit of 170 km perigee and 35,975 km apogee with an orbital inclination of 21.7 degrees, about 16 minutes and 40 seconds after lift off.

“The satellite will carry 12 high-powered KU-band transponders for DTH [direct to home] services, video picture transmission and Digital Satellite News Gathering,” the sources said.

The satellite will subsequently be manoeuvred into geostationary orbit using its own propulsion system.

ISRO scientists have taken all efforts to ensure that the vehicle does not meet the same fate of its predecessor, the GSLV-F02, in July 2006, when it had strayed away from its path, forcing scientists to destroy it, 56 seconds after take off.

Originally published by Doordarshan DDTV news channel, New Delhi, in English 0000 31 Aug 07.

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