Arianespace Ariane 5 with ISRO's GSAT-17 on board cleared for launch on 29 June

Arienespace's VA238 flight with ISRO's GSAT-17 on board has been cleared for launch. The launch will take place between Between 20:59 and 22:16 UTC on 28 June, which is between 2:29 AM and 3:46 AM IST on 29 June. This will be the fourth launch of the heavy lift Ariane 5 rocket in 2017, and the third satellite launch for ISRO in June 2017. The launch will take place from the Spaceport in French Guiana.[caption id="attachment_385672" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The GSAT-17. Image: ISRO.[/caption]The GSAT-17 has a liftoff mass of 3,425 kg, with a power generation capacity of 6 KW. The commercial transponders on the satellite are in the Ku band, the C band and the extended C band. There is also a dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) transponder for use in emergency situations. Sharing the ride with the GSAT-17 is the Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN by Thales. The Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN is mounted on top of the GSAT-17 in the launch vehicle, and will be the first to be deployed.[caption id="attachment_385671" align="aligncenter" width="638"] GSAT-17 being tested at the Arianespace facility. Image: Arianespace.[/caption]The GSAT-17 will add to the current fleet of 17 communication satellites by ISRO. Earlier in the month, ISRO scientists were at the Spaceport in French Guiana, testing the deployment of the solar panels and the reflector antenna. The total payload on board the VA238 is approximately 10,177 kg.