India to launch communication satellites GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 in 2016, 2017

Chennai: Indian space agency ISRO's telecommunication satellites GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 have been planned to be launched from French Guiana in 2016-17.

"ISRO has chosen Arianespace to launch telecommunication satellites GSAT-17 and GSAT-18. The two satellites will be launched by Ariane 5 launch vehicles at the Guiana Space Centre, Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana in 2016-2017", Arianespace said in a statement.

The two satellites weighing each 3,400 kgs, at the time of launch were designed, assembled and integrated by ISRO.

Both these satellites would be replacement for operational satellites providing services in multiple frequency bands including C, Extended-C and Ku Bands.

"The 34-year-old partnership between Arianespace and ISRO has gained new momentum with the signature of the GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 launch contracts", Arianespace, Chairman and CEO, Stephane Israel said.

"..it is a great honour indeed to be once more selected by ISRO for GSAT-17 and GSAT-18. Through these selections we will continue to contribute to the deployment of space applications in India for the benefit of its citizens.", he said.

"We are fully committed to continue this partnership that supports India's ambitious objectives in space", he said.

Soon after the successful launch of GSAT-15 from French Guiana yesterday, ISRO Satellite Centre Director Mayilsami Annadurai said two telecommunication satellites have been planned for launch by Ariane vehicle during next year.

"The realisation of both the satellites are in very advance stage", he had said.