ISRO to launch digital multimedia broadcasting satellite

Mumbai: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is building a digital multimedia broadcasting satellite that would cater to wider communication requirements. The new satellite, INSAT-4E, would cater to internet, messaging and cellular services and rural connectivity, its former chairman and Rajya Sabha member K Kasturirangan said at the annual convention of the Bangalore Management Association.

"This is a very powerful satellite with extremely complex instrumentation on board," Kasturirangan said.

ISRO sources said the spacecraft, INSAT-4E, which is slated to be launched on board GSLV during the second quarter of 2008-09, will cover the whole of India through five S-band spot beams using SXC and CXS transponders.

"The C-band coverage for the feeder link will have India coverage," an ISRO official said.

ISRO, the country's premier space agency, said it is planning to outsource more of its satellite and rocket development work to the industry. ISRO, which is credited with putting two satellites into orbit every year, is likely to rope in more private companies to build satellites as the demand increases.

"Since our demand for satellites are going to multiply manifold in the coming years, half a dozen satellites are to be built for our own use, so it's essential we have industry partnership," said ISRO chairman Madhavan Nair.

ISRO, which has so far outsourced some engines and components for rockets to private companies, said it is undeterred despite the fact that the GSLV crash was caused by a mechanical fault in an engine produced by a private firm.