ISRO set to launch INSAT 4C in July 2006
Dated 10/6/2006
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An INSAT 4C satellite being launched from Indian soil will provide better transmission through Direct to Home (DTH) TV for viewers in India.
This is the 15th satellite in the INSAT series, and is scheduled to be launched in mid-July from Sriharikota.
It also marks a landmark launch for the Indian space programme, as it is the first INSAT launch using the indigenous Geo-stationary Satellite Launch Vehicle.
The earlier INSAT series satellites have been launched from French Guyana on launch vehicles provided by the European Space Agency.
"We are demonstrating end-to-end to capability of the space segment. This satellite is for television transmission, and the first launch that class of satellites from India, said Madhavan Nair, Chairman, ISRO.
Nair also said the spacecraft weighs around 2.2 tonnes, and is ready in Banglore.
Critical services
The satellite is designed for a mission life of 10 years and will provide services like:
The launch is being seen as a big boost for DTH operators in the country.
"DTH transmission is becoming very popular. Besides Doordarshan, we will soon have services from the TATA-Star consortium. ZEE TV is already operational," Nair said.
"Around 12 transponders are currently being used, and there is a demand for another 12 in the coming days. In two years 50 transponders will be required to meet DTH requirement of the country," he added.
It can now be hoped that the satellite launch will herald a new era for television viewing in the country.
