India’s latest Communication satellite GSAT-17 launched from French Guiana

India added GSAT-17 to its existing fleet of 17 communication satellites early on Thursday , with French rocket Ariane-5 successfully launching the 3,477-kg satellite from French Guiana.

The satellite has been inducted into the Indian National Satellite (INSAT)/GSAT system. It carried payloads in the normal C, extended C and S bands, providing various communication services.

GSAT-17 also had equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite-based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites.

"The satellite is designed to provide continuity of services of operational satellites in C, extended C, and S bands, and will be launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)," Isro said.

Besides GSAT-17, Ariance-5 also put into space Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN, a "condosat" for Inmarsat  and Hellas Sat.

"The Hellas Sat 3 payload, the second Hellas Sat satellite, will deliver DTH (direct-to-home) and telecom services maintaining and expanding Hellas Sat business reach. Hellas Sat is a premium satellite operator, offering services in Europe, the Middle East and South Africa from the orbital position of 39 East, Arianespace said.