Launch of GSAT-18 delayed by 24 hrs due to inclement weather at Kourou in French Guiana

The 3,404 kg satellite was earlier scheduled for launch between 02:00 hrs and 03:15 hrs (Indian Time) this morning by Ariane-5 VA-231 rocket from Kourou in French Guiana.

The launch has been deferred by 24 hours due to unfavourbale weather conditions at Kourou.

"The launch from Kourou French Guiana is postponed by a day", ISRO said.

The launch would now take place between 02:00 hrs and 03L15 hrs (IST) on October 6. 

The GSAT-18 would be launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by the Ariane-5 launch vehicle. 

After its injection into the GTO, ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan takes control of GSAT-18 and performs the initial orbit raising maneuvers using the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) of the satellite, placing it in circular Geostationary Orbit.

After this, the deployment of appendages such as the solar arrays and antennas as well as three axis stabilisation of the satellite will be performed. 

GSAT-18 will be positioned at 74 deg East longitude and co-located with other operational satellites. 

With the designed in-orbit operational life of about 15 years, GSAT-18 was India's latest communication satellite and a high power satellite  being inducted into the INSAT/GSAT system.

GSAT-18 carries 48 communication transponders to provide Services in normal C-band, upper extended C-band and Ku-bands of the frequency spectrum.

GSAT-18 carries Ku-band beacon as well to help in accurately pointing ground antennas towards the satellite.

It was designed to provide continuity of services on operational satellites in C-band, Extended C-band and Ku-bands. 

GSAT-18 will be the 20th satellite from ISRO to be launched by Arianespace. 

Built by ISRO, GSAT 18 will provide telecommunications services for India, strengthening ISRO's current fleet of 14 operational telecom satellites.

Ariane-5, in its website said, ISRO fosters the use of space to help develop the Indian subcontinent. It focuses on all types of space applications, including Earth observation, telecommunications, broadcasts of educational programs, science and navigation.

The long-standing strategic partnership between ISRO and Arianespace reflects the strong relationship between India and France in the space sector.

After choosing Arianespace to launch its GSAT-17 and GSAT-18 satellites in 2015, ISRO selected Arianespace most recently to launch its GSAT-11 satellite. 

GSAT-17 and GSAT-11 will be orbited by 2017.