INSAT-3E NEAR ORBIT-SLOT
INSAT-3E is nearing
its orbital slot. The third and final stage of orbit raising operation
has been successfully carried out from Master Control Facility
at Hassan, placing the satellite in near Geo-stationary orbit.
With this, the INSAT-3E has achieved an orbital period of 23 hours
46 minutes. It is expected to reach its orbital slot 55 degrees
east longitude in the next ten days.
In the next operation,
the MCF deployed the solar arrays and antennae of INSAT-3E. The
three-axis stabilisation of the satellite was also carried out
successfully this morning. In this configuration the spacecraft
will be locked on to earth continuously through the optical sensors.
The communication
payloads on board will be switched on after it reaches the orbital
slot and in-orbit testing of the payloads will be carried out
for a duration of three weeks. The INSAT-3E which has a life span
of 12 years is expected to be commissioned by the first week of
next month (November 2003).
