Arianespace Ariane 5 with ISRO's GSAT-17 on board cleared for launch on 29 June

Arienespace’s VA238 flight with ISRO’s GSAT-17 on board has been cleared for launch. The launch will take place between Between 20:59 and 22:16 UTC on 28 June, which is between 2:29 AM and 3:46 AM IST on 29 June. This will be the fourth launch of the heavy lift Ariane 5 rocket in 2017, and the third satellite launch for ISRO in June 2017. The launch will take place from the Spaceport in French Guiana. [caption id=“attachment_385672” align=“aligncenter” width=“640”]  The GSAT-17. Image: ISRO.[/caption] The GSAT-17 has a liftoff mass of 3,425 kg, with a power generation capacity of 6 KW. The commercial transponders on the satellite are in the Ku band, the C band and the extended C band. There is also a dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) transponder for use in emergency situations. Sharing the ride with the GSAT-17 is the Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN by Thales. The Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN is mounted on top of the GSAT-17 in the launch vehicle, and will be the first to be deployed. [caption id=“attachment_385671” align=“aligncenter” width=“638”]  GSAT-17 being tested at the Arianespace facility. Image: Arianespace.[/caption] The GSAT-17 will add to the current fleet of 17 communication satellites by ISRO. Earlier in the month, ISRO scientists were at the Spaceport in French Guiana, **testing the deployment of the solar panels** and the reflector antenna. The total payload on board the VA238 is approximately 10,177 kg.