Nod to Arianespace for launch of ISRO satellite

Chennai: European space agency Arianespace has got the nod to go ahead with the November 10 launch of Indian communication satellite GSAT-15 and Arabsat-6B, the agency said.

In a statement early Saturday, Arianespace said the November 10 dual-passenger mission with Ariane 5 rocket the spaceport in French Guiana got the authorisation after the Launch Readiness Review on November 6.

Planned during a 43-minute launch window that opens at 6.34 p.m. (local time in French Guiana), the Ariane 5 mission will have a total payload lift performance of 9,810 kg.

"This includes the two satellites' mass at liftoff - 5,798 kg for Arabsat-6B and 3,164 kg. for GSAT-15 - along with launcher integration hardware and Ariane 5's dual-passenger deployment system," Arianespace said.

The Indian satellite GSAT-15 is designed to deliver telecommunications services, along with dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services, for India.

Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), it will be the 19th payload launched by Arianespace for this customer - which is one of the world's six largest space agencies.

The Indian satellite with a design life of 12 years will have 24 Ku-band transponders (automatic receivers and transmitters of radio signals) and two GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) transponders.