Work on India’s exclusive satellite for educational purposes has begun and it will be ready for launch in 30 months by ISRO.
The 2,000-kg satellite ‘EDUSAT’ will be launched using the indigenously developed geo-synchronous launch vehicle (GSLV) in 2005.
“It will provide a unique capability in space for literacy, education and training enrichment. The human resource development ministry has given us the go ahead,” Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K. Kasturirangan, told.
ISRO was preparing for the launch of another of its communication satellites, Insat-3A, in February in French Guyana on an Ariane rocket from the Kourou launch pad. It would have 24 transponders including a few KU band transponders.
ISRO would also launch the experimental geo-synchronous launch vehicle (G-Sat 2) in February.
Insat-3A would be followed by Insat-3E, scheduled for launch in the second half of 2003.
In the third half of 2003, ISRO would launch its remote sensing satellite, IRS P-6, to be followed by IRS P-5 in late 2003 or early 2004.
“We are also evaluating the inputs from both the rural and urban sectors in the telemedicine projects for the launch of a health satellite,” Kasturirangan said.
He said some 6,500 scientists from India and abroad would attend the Indian Science Congress next year here.
