Countdown to end in few hours, ISRO to launch GSAT-6A today

Chenna: The 27-hour count down for the flight of the Indian rocket with its communication satellite GSAT-6A is progressing smoothly and to end soon. The GSAT-6A will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota today.

The Indian space agency officials said, the countdown for the rocket launch began at 1356 hours on Wednesday and the rocket will be launched in few hours today.

The rocket was fueled up and its systems were thoroughly checked during the countdown and the GSLV rocket is all set to be launched.

About the GSAT-6A:

The 415.6 ton GSLV rocket measuring 49.1 metre tall is scheduled to blast off at 4.56 p.m. from the second launch pad from at Indian rocket port in Sriharikota, 105 km from here on Thursday.

The GSAT-6A satellite will be put into orbit around 17 minutes after the rocket's lift off.

According to ISRO, two improvements-induction of high thrust Vikas engine and electromechanical actuation system - have been made in the rocket's second stage this time around.

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The ISRO said that the GSAT-6A was similar to the GSAT-6.

The satellite will provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques. These are useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

ISRO Chairman K.Sivan had earlier told IANS that the GSAT-6A would be followed by the launch of navigation satellite, which will be in the next fiscal.

In the Union budget for 2018-19, the Department of Space has been tasked with three earth observation space crafts ready for launch; four Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) flights; one each of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle MkII and Mk III.