‘It would be the heaviest satellite in India’

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch GSAT-11 in April or May, according to its Chairman K. Sivan.

In an interaction with reporters here during a visit to the city on Wednesday, Dr.Sivan said at 5.7 tonnes it would be the heaviest satellite made in India. It would pave the way for providing high bandwidth connectivity, especially in rural India.

The satellite would be launched using Ariane, as India did not have capability to launch satellites heavier that four tonnes weight.

Longevity of satellites

The ISRO would launch the GSLV GSAT 6A in the last week of March. The ISRO had lined up a number of programmes to make India stronger in various aspects of development and services to the people. To a question, Mr. Sivan said the ISRO was working on improving the longevity of satellites.

A new electric propulsion system was being developed by tapping solar power. The ISRO was working on 158 programmes. Of them, 126 programmes were “in good shape.”

The ISRO Chairman said it would involve private companies as much as possible to carry out certain tasks and components, he said.