New Delhi:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to launch three communications satellites in order to usher in an age of high-speed internet in the country.
India is considered as one of the biggest players in the space launch market when it launched over a hundred satellites in a single mission.
But when it comes to its own communication infrastructure, India trail behind many American, European and even Asian countries in terms of internet speed.
Therefore ISRO will launch three communication satellites in the next 18 months, starting from the first week of June.
The first launch could be in the first week of June when Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III, India's most powerful launch vehicle, goes into the space carrying the heaviest Indian communication satellite.
ISRO chairman Kiran Kumar, while talking to a newspaper, said the three satellites will increase internet speed and connectivity and will cover the entire country.
"We will launch three communication satellites. GSAT-19 in June and GSAT-11 and GSAT-20 thereafter. GSAT-19 will be launched by GSLVMk III, ISRO's next-generation launch vehicle boosted by an indigenous cryogenic engine that is capable of carrying a four-tonne satellite to the geosynchronous transfer orbit. These satellites will use multiple spot beams that will increase internet speed and connectivity. These multiple spot beams will cover the entire country," Kumar was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
"Preparations are going on in full swing...And right now, the cryogenic stage (is) also integrated with the vehicle. The satellite is also getting prepared," Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) Director K Sivan told reporters on the sidelines of a function.
"Maybe in a week's time, we will be able to assemble the satellite along with the vehicle. We are targeting the launch in the first week of June," he said. However, Sivan said the exact date for the launch of GSLV Mark III is yet to be finalised.
