INSAT-3A LAUNCH PUT OFF DUE TO SNAG

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The launch of INSAT-3A scheduled at about 05.00 Hrs. this morning from Kourou in French Guyana by Ariane-5 rocket, was put off due to a snag in telemetry transmitter. During final checks it was found that the signal strength from one of the two telemetry transmitters was less than normal and that the anomaly cannot be corrected before the close of the launch window. Hence, the launch was called off for the day.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will soon announce a new date of launch.

Infact, INSAT-3A was scheduled for launch between mid January-February, 2003 but delayed then because of a snag in the Ariane-5 Rocket of the European Space Agency (ESA). Since the failure of Ariane-5 in December 2002, it was a subdued period for the ESA. The Rocket which has been in service with the Agency since 1996, underwent thorough checks for this launch.