(a) whether INSAT-3E Satellite had been successfully launched on September 28, 2003;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the total expenditure incurred thereon;
(d) the main benefits likely to be derived by launching this satellite in the communication and IT sector;
(e) whether the satellite is functioning properly;
(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) the other satellite in this series, which is in the pipeline?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME
IMPLEMENTATION, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE AND MINISTER
OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (ADDITIONAL CHARGE) (SHRI S.B. MOOKHERJEE):
(a) Yes, Sir. INSAT-3E satellite was successfully launched on 28th September, 2003.
(b) INSAT-3E was launched on Ariane-V Rocket from Kourou, French Guyana on
September 28, 2003. The Orbit raising, deployments and In Orbit Testing (IOT)
were successfully carried out from MCF, Hassan during October-November,2003.
The satellite is now at its designated geo-stationary orbital slot of 55 deg.E.
(c) The total expenditure on the fabrication, launch and insurance of the INSAT-3E
satellite is about Rs.620 crores.
(d) INSAT-3E will increase the C and Ext-C band transponder capacity in the INSAT
system substantially for use by the communication, TV broadcasting and IT
Sector.
(e)&(f) The satellite is functioning normally.
(g) INSAT-3D, which will be the last in the INSAT-3 series of satellites, essentially a
meteorological satellite, is under fabrication.