NEW DELHI: The Indian Space Research Organisation is working towards putting into orbit an indigenous communication satellite GSAT-19, weighing 3.3 tonne and carrying Ka/Ku band payloads. Ku Band is suitable for direct-to-home platforms.

The satellite assembly is in an advanced stage, the space minister Jitendra Singh told the Rajya Sabha yesterday.

Meanwhile, the launch campaign for the first developmental flight of GSLV Mk-III commenced on 29 September 2016 at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.

ISRO is working towards increasing the payload capacity of GSLV Mk-III beyond four tonnes in the coming years. The strategies identified to achieve the increased payload capacity include performance improvement of propulsion systems, inert mass optimisation and miniaturisation of avionics system.

The Chandrayaan-2, comprising Orbiter, Lander and Rover, with a total payload mass of 3250 kg is planned to be launched on board GSLV Mk-II during the first quarter of 2018.

Also read:

http://www.indiantelevision.com/satellites/satellite-launches/isro-to-launch-83-satellites-on-single-rocket-create-world-record-161029

http://www.indiantelevision.com/satellites/satellite-launches/gsat-18-successfully-launches-new-capacity-for-dth-operators-tv-channels-161006