Launch of GSAT-17 to boost communication capabilities and internet speeds in India

India on 29 June will augment its fleet of communication satellites with the launch of GSAT-17 through Ariane 5 rocket, said the European Space Agency, Arianespace.The rocket is expected to blast off from the Spaceport in French Guiana with GSAT-17 and Hellas Sat 3-Immarsat S EAN. The total weight to be lifted by the rocket will be 10,177 kg or just over 10 tonne."GSAT-17, to be deployed from Ariane 5's lower passenger position, was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to strengthen its current fleet of 17 telecommunications satellites. The spacecraft's separation will occur approximately 41 minutes after lift-off," Arianespace said.According to ISRO, GSAT-17 is configured around I-3K extended bus with a lift-off mass of about 3,477 kg. GSAT-17 carries Payloads in Normal C-band, Extended C-band and S-band to provide various communication services. GSAT-17 also carries equipment for metereological data relay and satellite-based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites, ISRO said. A dedicated transponder on the satellite will be used for search and rescue operations.The solar panels and antenna reflectors of the GSAT-17 were successfully tested earlier in this month at the Spaceport in French Guiana. ISRO has already launched 31 satellites on PSLV-C38 in June 2017.With Inputs from IANS