Cabinet okays new communication satellite

The union cabinet on Wednesday approved building of a new communication satellite - GSAT-18.

The structure of the satellite, weighing about 3425 Kg, will be similar to the GSAT-10 satellite, a statement issued here said.

"The GSAT-18 spacecraft will provide replacement capacity supporting the existing television, telecommunication, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and VSAT services in the country," it said.

It will also augment and support the existing telecommunication, television, DSNG and VSAT services in the country, hence benefiting all sections of society.

The cabinet meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.