India launches communications satellite
Posted: Sun, Sep 2, 2007, 7:07 PM ET (2307 GMT)
India successfully launched a communications satellite in the return to flight of a launch vehicle that failed in its last launch over a year ago. The GSLV lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's east coast at 8:50 EDT (1250 GMT, 6:20 pm local time) Sunday, placing the INSAT-4CR spacecraft into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The launch was scheduled to take place two hours earlier, but the countdown was halted because of a last-second computer problem that eventually was resolved. The launch is the first for the GSLV since a July 2006 launch failure that was traced to a problem with a propellant regulator in one of the rocket's four liquid-propellant strap-on stages. INSAT-4CR is a replacement for the INSAT-4C satellite lost in that launch failure last year; it weighs 2,130 kg, making it the largest satellite launched by an Indian rocket to date. The satellite, which will operate from 74 degrees east in GEO, carries 12 Ku-band transponders to provide direct-to-home television and other video services. The launch is the third this year by India, with two more launches planned before the end of the year.
India successfully launched a communications satellite in the return to flight of a launch vehicle that failed in its last launch over a year ago. The GSLV lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's east coast at 8:50 EDT (1250 GMT, 6:20 pm local time) Sunday, placing the INSAT-4CR spacecraft into a geosynchronous transfer orbit. The launch was scheduled to take place two hours earlier, but the countdown was halted because of a last-second computer problem that eventually was resolved. The launch is the first for the GSLV since a July 2006 launch failure that was traced to a problem with a propellant regulator in one of the rocket's four liquid-propellant strap-on stages. INSAT-4CR is a replacement for the INSAT-4C satellite lost in that launch failure last year; it weighs 2,130 kg, making it the largest satellite launched by an Indian rocket to date. The satellite, which will operate from 74 degrees east in GEO, carries 12 Ku-band transponders to provide direct-to-home television and other video services. The launch is the third this year by India, with two more launches planned before the end of the year.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Senate seeks to add $10 billion to NASA human spaceflight programs
Posted: Sat, Jun 7 10:46 AM ET (1446 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, June 17
U.S. Space & Rocket Center CEO on leave; CFO assumes duties
Huntsville Times — 12:26 am ET (0426 GMT) Blue Origin schedules next human flight from West Texas
KTSM-TV El Paso — 12:25 am ET (0425 GMT) Blue Origin Sets June 21 For 13th Crewed New Shepard Launch
Aviation Week — 12:25 am ET (0425 GMT) Yes, that light show was from a SpaceX launch
Los Angeles Times — 12:24 am ET (0424 GMT) Latest SpaceX launch from Vandenberg seen in Las Vegas sky
KSNV-TV Las Vegas — 12:23 am ET (0423 GMT) |
