(a) whether the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched into space GSAT-15 on Arianne rocket and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the GSAT-15 satellite would provide improved communication facilities to the people in Indian sub-continent, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is planning to launch GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 in 2016-17; and
(d) if so, the details and the present status thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PG & PENSIONS AND IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH):
(a) Yes, Madam. The GSAT-15 communication satellite was launched onboard Ariane-5 launch vehicle from Kourou in French Guiana on November 11, 2015 (IST). GSAT-15 carries 24 Ku-band communication transponders and one Navigational Payload namely GAGAN.
(b) The Ku-band transponders have capability to provide various types of communication services including Direct to Home (DTH), television, Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs) and telecommunication services. It would ensure continuity of services and also augment INSAT/GSAT transponder capacity. The navigational payload, GAGAN, will provide in-orbit back up to the existing operational GAGAN payloads in GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.
(c) Yes Madam.
(d) GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 are planned to be launched using Ariane Launch vehicle from Kourou in French Guiana. GSAT-17 will carry 24 C-band & 14 Extended C-band transponders, Data Relay Transponder, Search & Rescue and Mobile Satellite Service payloads. GSAT-18 will carry 24 C-band, 12 Extended C-band and 12 Ku-band transponders. Integration of GSAT-18 satellite has been completed and testing is in progress. Fabrication of subsystems and payloads for GSAT-17 is in progress.
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