ISRO's GSAT-17 solar panels and antenna successfully tested prior to launch by Arianespace on 28 June

The solar panels and antenna reflectors of the GSAT-17 communication satellite were tested at the Spaceport in French Guiana. The tests are part of the routine checkout activities in preparation for the launch of the satellite. For the test of the solar panel deployment, a support structure of overhead latticework was used to simulate the zero gravity environment under which the satellite is normally expected to work.Indian technicians were at the spaceport as part of the launch preparations. After testing the solar panels and antenna, the satellite was configured for liftoff. 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. The Indian satellite will be the second payload to be deployed from the launch vehicle. The launch is scheduled to take place on 28 June, 2017. However, ISRO will be executing another launch from its launch facility in Sriharikota. The PSLV-C38 mission is expected to deploy a Cartosat-2 Series Earth observation satellite, along with a few foreign co-passenger satellites on 23 June, 2017.