India’s most powerful Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C17) will launch prestigious communication satellite GSAT-12 today from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (ISRO), Sriharikota (Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh). The satellite GSAT 12. The satellite will be launched at 4:48 PM on 15th July 2011. The 52.5 hour countown has already been started and the launch rehearsals are already under progres. Lets wish all the success for Indian Scientists:
Following are brief technical specifications of PSLV C17 / GSAT 12:
1. Satellite Name: GSAT 12
2. Launch Vehicle: PSLV C17
3. Weight: 1410 kg
4. Number of Extended Cband Transponders: 12
5. Elliptical Transfer Orbit (SubGTO): 284 km perigee and 21000 km apogee
6. Countdown time: 52.5 hour
7. Launch Date and Time: 15th July 2011 (4-48 PM to 5-08 PM)
8. Cost of the project: About Rs. 200 crores
The ISRO is very keen on launching this communication satellite to meet the increasing demand for communication transponders. This is the second time that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to loft a communication satellite. The first one being launched was Kalpana-1 in 2002.
The PSLV is presently going through various levels of electrical checkout operations and reviews at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota. The GSAT12 satellite has already undergone required testing at Sriharikota before commencing the filling of propellants in the Satellite on 28th July 2011. The GSAT12 Satellite was integrated with the PSLVC17 vehicle at the Vehicle Assembly Building on 3rd July 3. Let us wish all the success for Scientists of ISRO!