ISRO Deploys GSAT-12 Communication Antenna
By Jeffrey Hill | July 25, 2011
[Satellite TODAY 07-25-11] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has deployed the communication antenna on-board the recently launched GSAT-12 communication satellite, ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan announced July 22.
ISRO confirmed that the satellite was in its final orbital configuration, pointing towards the Earth.
“GSAT-12 is now located at 63 degrees East longitude and will be moved to reach its designated longitude of 83 degrees east within the next 16 days. With the successful launch of both GSAT-12 and GSAT-8, about 36 more transponders will be operational. With the launch of the GSAT-10 in 2012, 30 more will be added,” Radhakrishnan said in a statement.
The GSAT-12 satellite will be co-located with India’s InSat-2E and InSat-4A communication satellites. The satellite’s communication transponders are scheduled to switch on by Aug. 6 followed by in-orbit testing.