ISRO set to launch communication satellite GSAT-6A on Thursday

New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its high power S-band communication satellite GSAT-6A on Thursday, March 29 at 16:56 hrs (IST).

The launch of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle- F08 (GSLV-F08) carrying the communication satellite GSAT-6A is expected to take off from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) in Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.

GSLV-F08 is the 12th flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) and Sixth flight with indigenous Cryogenic Stage.

The 27-hour countdown for the flight of Indian rocket GSLV-F08 carrying GSAT-6A have started at 1.56 pm on Wednesday said the Indian space agency.

The GSAT-6A satellite will be put into orbit around 17 minutes after the rocket's lift off.

The Indian space agency said that the GSAT-6A was similar to the GSAT-6.

The satellite will provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques. These are useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

ISRO Chairman K.Sivan had earlier told IANS that the GSAT-6A would be followed by the launch of navigation satellite which will be in the next fiscal.

In the union budget for 2018-19, the Department of Space has been tasked with three earth observation space crafts ready for launch; four Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) flights; one each of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkII and Mk III.

(With IANS inputs)