NEWS

GSAT-2 reaches final geo-stationary orbit

By Fakir Chand in Bangalore
May 20, 2003 16:21 IST

GSAT-2, the second experimental satellite of the Indian Space Research Organisation, was placed in its final geo-stationary orbital slot at 48 degree East longitude on Monday night.

According to ISRO sources in Bangalore, the payloads comprising four C-band transponders, two Ku-band transponders and a mobile satellite service payload will be tested out in the coming weeks.

The satellite carries four experimental payloads --- total radiation dose monitor, surface charge monitor, solar X-ray spectrometer, and coherent radio beacon experiment.

The Master Control Facility of ISRO at Hassan in Karnataka carried out the final orbital manoeuvres. An ISRO spokesman said the satellite was pushed into its final position by firing 10 on board motors.

The 1.8 tonne satellite was launched by the geo-synchronous satellite launch vehicle on May 8 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Fakir Chand in Bangalore

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