Cabinet approves launching of INSAT-4A, 4B Spacecraft

NEW DELHI: In a boost to Information Technology and broadcasting sector, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved launching of INSAT-4A and 4B Spacecraft.
The launch services and insurance of these satellites would cost Rs 1354 crore of which the foreign exchange component was Rs 1011.05 crore, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
She said these satellites are the first two of the seven satellites in the fourth generation series being launched.
The INSAT system is one of the largest satellite systems in South East Asia region having 92 transponders from five satellites catering to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Doordarshan, AIR, India Meteorological Department, VSAT operators and strategic government users.
With both INSAT-4A and 4B spacecraft, the annual revenue was estimated to be Rs 276 crore per annum.