(a) whether the Government has successfully launched GSAT-17
communication satellite onboard the Ariane-5 launch vehicle recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the satellite will be an addition to the Indian communication satellites that are already providing services;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the satellite will provide meteorological and satellite-based data to help rescue services and if so, the details 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.
(b) GSAT-17 communication satellite, with a lift-off mass of 3477 Kg, carrying communication, Data Relay Transponder (DRT), Search & Rescue Payload was successfully launched on June 29, 2017 using Ariane-5 launch vehicle from Kourou launch base of Arianespace.
(c) Yes Madam.
(d) GSAT-17 is presently undergoing in-orbit tests. Subsequently, it will be inducted into the INSAT/GSAT system for providing various communication services to the country in C, Extended-C and S-band.
(e) GSAT-17 carries a Data Relay Transponder for receiving meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic data from Automatic Weather Stations, Automatic Rain Gauges and Agro Met Stations and relaying back for down linking in extended C-Band. It also carries a Search & Rescue Payload, which picks up and relays the alert signals originating from the distress beacons of maritime, aviation and land based users to help in rescue services.
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