Article Posted on : - Aug 26, 2010

BANGALORE (BNS): Indian Space Research Organisation plans to launch GSLV-F06 this year and said preparation for the unmanned moon mission in 2013 was in full swing with the setting up of one more launch pad.

The premier space agency is all geared up to launch Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F06), which will carry GSAT-5 or INSAT-4D, a communication satellite into the space.

The launch campaign for GSLV-F06 has already started and the vehicle will lift-off somewhere during end of September or first week of October.

GSAT-5 is a fully communication satellite, which would have C-band and external C-band transponders, useful for television broadcasting and business communication. This satellite will be positioned at 83º East longitude with a mission life of 12 years. It will also replace some of the ageing vehicles that are currently in orbit.