The Indian Department of Space (DoS) has outlined plans to launch 14 communications satellites between now and 2017 in order to meet the projected demand for capacity in the country.
The statement was made as part of the DoS’ 2012 – 2013 outcome…
The Indian Department of Space (DoS) has outlined plans to launch 14 communications satellites between now and 2017 in order to meet the projected demand for capacity in the country.
The statement was made as part of the DoS’ 2012 – 2013 outcome budget, in which it provided an overview of proposals for its 12th five-year plan for the period 2012 – 2017.
In the report the department states that the main thrust of the space programme during the 12th plan will be the augmentation of INSAT/GSAT capacity to meet the rapidly rising demand for transponders.
At present, the INSAT/GSAT satellites have an operational transponder capacity of 187. The DoS has estimated that it will need 794 transponders by 2017 to accommodate demand.
To accommodate this capacity push, the DoS said that it plans to ‘pursue rigorously to secure spectrum for 100 additional Ku-band transponders and around 50 C-band/Ext C-band transponders in newer orbital locations.
As well as significantly boosting transponder capacity, the 14 new satellites will also be used to introduce new Ka-band and broadband VSAT systems. In addition, one of the satellites is designated to be a next generation geo-imaging spacecraft.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be in charge of constructing these satellites, which are to be based on the I-2K, I-3K and I-4K buses. The DoS also outlined plans to begin development of a high throughput 12KW satellite, called I-6K, which will operate in the Ka- and Ku-bands.
Towards launch self-sufficiency
Given India’s current launch capabilities, the larger I-3K and I-4K buses will have to be launched by a foreign launcher and ISRO will contract these.
In order to reduce this reliance, the 12th plan stipulates the need to develop the third version of the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GLSV) so that it is capable of launching 4 tonne INSAT satellites.
By 2017, the DoS intends to have completed two GSLV MK-III missions, including one experimental one. It also foresees undertaking 16 PSLV missions and 6 GSLV MK-11 missions.
To assist this launch schedule, the 12th plan includes the establishment of a third launch pad at Sriharikota.
To fund these proposals, the steering committee on space and technology has recommended a total budget of Rs550bn (US$10.4bn) for the 12th plan.
