Launch of GSAT-17 to boost communication capabilities and internet speeds in India

India on 29 June will augment its fleet of **communication** satellites with the launch of GSAT-17 through Ariane 5 rocket, said the European Space Agency, Arianespace. The rocket is expected to blast off from the Spaceport in French Guiana with GSAT-17 and Hellas Sat 3-Immarsat S EAN. The total weight to be lifted by the rocket will be 10,177 kg or just over 10 tonne. “GSAT-17, to be deployed from Ariane 5’s lower passenger position, was built by the **Indian Space Research Organisation** (ISRO) to strengthen its current fleet of 17 telecommunications satellites. The spacecraft’s separation will occur approximately 41 minutes after lift-off,” Arianespace said. According to ISRO, GSAT-17 is configured around I-3K extended bus with a lift-off mass of about 3,477 kg. GSAT-17 carries Payloads in Normal C-band, Extended C-band and S-band to provide various communication services. GSAT-17 also carries equipment for metereological data relay and satellite-based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites, ISRO said. A dedicated transponder on the satellite will be used for search and rescue operations. The solar panels and antenna reflectors of the GSAT-17 were successfully  tested earlier in this month at the Spaceport in French Guiana. ISRO has already  **launched** 31 satellites on PSLV-C38 in June 2017. With Inputs from IANS