Funding of six GSLV operational flights approved

Of the total cost for the flights (F11 to F16), the foreign exchange component would account for Rs 273 crore, Finance Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the cabinet meeting.     

With the realisation of six GSLV Operational Flights, end-to-end capability to launch communication satellites will be available during the 11th Five Year Plan.     

The six flights are expected to be realised during 2010-12.     

The INSAT and GSAT satellites being launched by operational flights have significantly augmented the INSAT system capacity for national development in the areas of communication, broadcasting and developmental communications including tele-medicine and tele-education.     

At present the INSAT system has 211 transponders and its demand by the end of 11th Plan is expected to be about 500.     

During the 11th Plan period and beyond, based on the demand profile of the transponders, it is envisaged to build and launch 12 GSAT series of satellites onboard the current version of GSLV. In view of this, the government proposes to undertake six additional GSLV operational flights (F11 to F16).