(a) whether the launch of cartosat is likely to be delayed as reported in the Hindu dated 25 July, 2005;
(b) if so, the facts and the reasons therefor;
(c) whether ISRO also proposes to launch communication, Edusat and Telemedine satellites;
(d) if so, the objectives thereof; and
(e) the time by which these satellites are likely to be launched?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER`S OFFICE (SHRI PRITHVIRAJ CHAVAN)
(a) No, Sir.
(b) Cartosat-2 is currently under assembly and integration stage and the launch campaign is targeted to commence in III quarter of 2005-06. The actual launch window will be decided after completing testing of the satellite and taking into account weather conditions at Sriharikota.
(c) ISRO is currently developing five communication satellites viz., INSAT-4A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-4C, INSAT-4D/GSAT-5 and GSAT-4 approved during the Tenth Five Year Plan. EDUSAT was launched on 20th September 2004. The satellite capacity required for Tele-medicine services is met from the existing INSAT satellites in orbit. There is no proposal to launch further EDUSAT and Tele-medicine satellites during Tenth Five Year plan.
(d) The objective of INSAT-4A, 4B, 4C and INSAT-4D/GSAT-5 satellites is to augment the INSAT system capacity with additional C band and Ku band transponders for communication and broadcasting purposes. The objective of GSAT-4 satellite is to develop and demonstrate advanced communication technologies in high frequency Ka band.
(e) These satellites are proposed for launch during 2005-07.