ISRO-built communications satellite for Europe launched

CHENNAI - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)-built communication satellite HYLAS (Highly Adaptable Satellite) for EADS-Astrium of Europe was launched Saturday by an Ariane rocket from the Guyana Space Centre at Kourou in French Guyana.

According to ISRO, 35 minutes after the rocket lift-off, HYLAS was separated from the rocket at its intended geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).

The 2,541-kg satellite developed for Avanti Communications, UK, has 10 high power transponders designed to deliver high-speed broadband services for Europe.

The satellite’s life is estimated to be 15 years.

The contract for building the satellite was won in 2006 after competing along with other leading manufacturers of the US and Europe through the strategic alliance worked out between Antrix Corporation-ISRO’s commercial arm, ISRO and EADS Astrium of France.

Antrix/ISRO is also responsible for the post-launch operations of HYLAS, which are being conducted from the Master Control Facility, Hassan.

The operations include firing of the satellite’s liquid apogee motor (LAM) in three phases to place the satellite in geostationary orbit.

The first firing of LAM is scheduled for the early hours of Sunday.