Article Posted on : - Apr 26, 2011

The GSAT-8 is being prepared for next month's launch. An Arianespace photo

KOUROU (BNS): After conducting its second successful space mission last week, Arainespace is gearing up to launch India’s large communications satellite GSAT-8 on board its Ariane 5 rocket next month.

The ISRO-built multi-role spacecraft is undergoing an in-depth checkout at the spaceport in French Guiana in preparation for its liftoff on May 19, Arianespace, the European space transport company, said.

Validations being performed in the Spaceport’s S5 payload preparation facility include antenna and solar panel deployments, it said.

The company has been contracted by ISRO to launch the dual-purpose satellite, also designated INSAT-4G.

The spacecraft had arrived at the European spaceport earlier this month.

The satellite is fitted with 24 Ku-band transponders for telecommunications purposes. It also carries the two-channel GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) payload.

The GSAT-8 will have a lift-off mass of 3,100 kg and it will be accompanied by Japan’s ST-2 telecommunications satellite which will be launched by the Ariane 5 rocket on its VA202 mission.