INSAT-3E LAUNCH PUT OFF BY A MONTH
The launch of the
INSAT-3E has been put off by about a month. This is because of
the need to re-test a few components in the communication payload.
The re-tests have become essential following a quality-alert received
from the manufacturer of these components. The INSAT-3E was transported
to Kourou in the French Guyana, middle of last month for placement
in orbit by the European launch vehicle Ariane.
The Satellite slated
for launch on 3rd September, will now take three to
four weeks more to get ready. The Ariane-space will finalize the
new launch date based on the requirements of SMART-I of the European
Space Agency and e-Bird of EUTELSAT, which were also to be launched
along with INSAT-3E on board the Ariane.
The 2750 Kg. fourth
craft in the INSAT-3 series will carry 24 C-band transponders
and 12 extended C-band transponders. INSAT-3A, INSAT-3B and INSAT-3C
are already operational. INSAT-3B was the first to be launched
in March 2000 while INSAT-3C in January 2002. INSAT-3A was launched
early this year. The fifth and the last of the third generation
satellite INSAT-3D is another exclusive METSAT carrying advanced
meteorological payloads i.e. a six channel imager and 19 channel
sounder is currently getting ready and programmed for launch during
2004-05, probably by our indigenously developed GSLV. INSAT-3D
will be the second exclusive meterological satellite after METSAT
now named KALPANA.
