The Indian Space Research Organization, ISRO, has once again chosen Arianespace, this time to launch its Insat 4G communications satellite.
Three months after Ariane 5 successfully orbited the Insat 4B satellite, Dr. Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, today announced that ISRO has selected Arianespace launch Service & Solutions for the Insat 4G satellite.
The launch is slated for the end of 2008, using an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Center, Europe’s Spaceport, in Kourou, French Guiana.
14th ISRO contract. Insat 4G will be the 14th ISRO satellite to use the European launcher. Starting with the Apple experimental satellite on Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 13 Indian satellites to date.
Weather and telecom services for India. Insat 4G is designed, assembled and integrated by ISRO. Weighing about 3,200 kg at launch, it has payloads for communications, broadcasting and weather observation. Its primary payload comprises 18 Ku-band transponders and a radio-navigation module. Insat 4G’s coverage zone includes the entire Indian sub-continent.
Loyalty and confidence.
Commenting on this latest selection, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said: “I would like to thank the prestigious Indian space agency for their loyalty to Ariane and Arianespace, stretching back over 25 years. This will be our 14th contract with ISRO and will provide further recognition of the top-quality launch Service & Solutions offered by Arianespace.”
About Arianespace
Arianespace is the world’s leading launch Service & Solutions company, delivering innovative services and solutions to its customers for more than 25 years. Backed by 23 shareholders, including the European Space Agency, Arianespace offers an unrivalled launcher family, comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, and an international workforce renowned for their culture of excellence. Arianespace has launched 246 satellites since being founded, including more than 60% of the commercial satellites now in service worldwide. It has a steady backlog of about 40 satellites to be launched, equal to more than three years of operations.
