The Union Cabinet today gave its
approval to undertake design, develop
& launch GSAT-6 / INSAT-4E, a multi-media mobile satellite system, at a total estimated cost of Rs. 269 crores with a foreign exchange component of Rs. 102
crores. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)) proposes
to build a state-of-the-art National Satellite System (GSAT-6) / INSAT-4E) that
will offer a Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (S-DMB) service, via
mobile phones and mobile video/audio receivers for vehicles. The satellite capability can also be
utilized for strategic and social applications. This satellite will also provide a platform for developing
techniques and technologies which will be useful in future satellite based
mobile communication applications such as demonstration of large unfurlable
antenna in spacecraft, handheld ground terminals and network management
techniques. GSAT 6/INSAT-4E will have five C x S transponders each of 9 MHz
bandwidth and five S x C transponders each of 2.7 MHz bandwidth which will together
cover the entire country. GSAT-6 /
INSAT –4E is a part of GSAT/INSAT system planned for initiation in 10th
Five Year Plan and the funds have been already
provided in the approved 10th Plan. The GSAT-6 / INSAT-4E
will be launched in early 2008 by the GSLV with a lift-off capability of 2100
kg. The life of the satellite will be
12 years.
The National Satellite System will provide the following
benefits :
A state-of-the art National Satellite System with coverage
exclusively devoted to entire population of India.
Utilization of India’s S-band spectrum allocation for
satellite broadcasting as per International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and
National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) allocations.
Capacity to deliver over ten video channels and over ten
audio channels in each beam
(which will grow over time through better digital transmission, encoding
and compression technologies) through downlink component of the system,
including interactive services such as text messaging, weather information,
disaster warning, etc.
Capacity to customize programme content in a variety of
regional and local Indian languages for better consumer adoption through five
(5) satellite spot beams.
Adoption of open technology standards for transmission,
encoding, compression, reception, and decoding that enable the greatest degree
of interoperability with existing systems.
Impetus to technology and business development of Satellite
Multimedia Services and related products & services including lease of
space segment capacity by domestic private sector companies in India in the
electronics services and satellite sectors, and reduction of reliance on
foreign entities.
Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (S-DMB) services
would also complement and provide hub interconnectivity to 2.5G/3G networks.
The successful accomplishment of the Project would also
enable ISRO/DOS to become a leader in this growing worldwide satellite digital
multimedia broadcasting (S-DMB) services to mobile vehicles and cellular phones
and thus provide India access to these markets globally.
YSR/HK/LV