Cabinet nod for building 2 satellites

NEW DELHI: A proposal for building GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 communication satellites supporting telecommunication, television services and in-orbit back-up received the Government's nod today.

The GSAT-17 and the GSAT-18 spacecraft project, cleared by the Union Cabinet, will be built at a cost of Rs 1,013.2 crore and 1,022 crore respectively. They weigh 3,425 kg each.

"The proven bus system will be used to build both the satellite in 30 months period. The satellite structures will be similar to the GSAT-10 satellite," said a government statement.

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

The GSAT-17 satellite, on the other hand, will offer similar services and some additional features such as in-orbit back up. Its footprint would cover the entire mainland India.

It will provide replacement capacity like GSAT 18 in different frequency bands and protect operational services, the statement said.