India to launch GSAT-9 communication satellite on May 5

Chennai April 28 (IANS) India will launch communication satellite GSAT-9 using its heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F09) on May 5 the ISRO said on Friday.

According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) the GSAT-9 communication satellite is being launched with an objective to provide different communication applications in Ku-band with coverage over South Asian countries.

GSAT-9 is configured around the ISRO s standard I-2K bus with lift off mass of 2 230 kg. The main structure of the satellite is cuboid in shape built around a central cylinder with a mission life of more than 12 years it said.

The GSLV rocket will fly with indigenous cryogenic engine and would blast off from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh the ISRO added.

--IANS
vj/vd