ISRO gears up for launch of communication satellite GSAT-6A on March 29

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to conclude this fiscal with the launch of GSAT-6A, a high power S-band communication satellite, scheduled for March 29.

The Indian rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08) will be responsible for pinning the satellite into orbit, the Indian space agency said on Friday.

GSAT-6A has a lifespan of approximately 10 years and is expected to take off from the second launch pad at the Sriharikota rocket port in Andhra Pradesh at 4:56 pm IST.

ISRO said that the GSAT-6A was similar to the GSAT-6.

The satellite will provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques. These are useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

ISRO Chairman K.Sivan had earlier told IANS that the GSAT-6A would be followed by the launch of navigation satellite which will be in the next fiscal.

In the union budget for 2018-19, the Department of Space has been tasked with three earth observation space crafts ready for launch; four Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) flights; one each of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkII and Mk III.

(With IANS inputs)