The Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro) latest multi-purpose geostationary satellite, Insat 3C, was declared operational today, providing a boost to the satellite communication capabilities of India.

Isro satellite centre director Dr PS Goel was quoted as telling reporters that the users were utilising the payloads and already three transponders had been handed over to them.

The Isro-built spacecraft had 24 normal C-band transponders, six extended C-band transponders, two S-band broadcast satellite transponders and a mobile satellite service transponder.

Goel ruled out leasing transponders to foreign organisations like Intelsat and added that there is already a large commitment from Indian users.

The Insat-3C and Insat-3A, planned to be launched later this year, are targeted at domestic users whereas Insat-3C was mainly built for India coverage.

He said the Isro would soon discuss with Arianespace to fix a launch date for Insat-3A.

Indicating that Isro might embark on building satellites for other countries after the completion of the Insat-3E project, Dr Goel said the Department of Space's marketing agency had already initiated talks with some in this regard.

All the systems of Insat-3C have been performing as per predictions. The satellite has 488 kg fuel left on board which will be sufficient for its design life of 12 years. The satellite is intended to continue the services of Insat-2DT and Insat-2C which are nearing the end of their life besides improving and augmenting the Insat system capacity.

Insat 3C geostationary at 74 East
Insat-3C in geostationary orbit, solar arrays deployed
Isro on a high as Insat-3C put in successful orbit

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