ISRO to Launch GSAT-5P Next Week; Resourcesat-2 Scheduled for January

[Satellite TODAY 12-14-10] The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will launch its GSAT-5P communication satellite Dec. 20 on a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from ISRO’s second launch pad at Sriharikota, ISRO announced Dec. 13.
    ISRO is launching GSAT-5P to replace the InSAT 2E satellite and ensure continuity of the region’s telecom and television services.
    The agency also said a PSLV likely will launch the Resourcesat-2 Earth observation satellite, along with two small satellites made in Singapore and Russia, in January. Resourcesat-2 will be the replacement for Resourcesat-1, which was launched in 2003. Resourcesat-2 is expected to reach the Sriharikota facility by the end December.