Satellite Today has learned that India’s space agency yesterday successfully launched that country’s first satellite for educational services from the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) spaceport in Sriharikota on board India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. Edusat carries 12 transponders (six Ku-band and six external C- band), and it will be used to facilitate distance learning within the country.

ST also learned that the organization expects to have its second launch pad at the Sriharikota spaceport operational by the end of the year. With that new pad, one has to wonder if India will continue using it for domestic interests or if it is planning to throw its hat into an already tight launch-services ring.