ISRO defers launch of GSAT-11 weeks after losing contact with last satellite

Bengaluru: ISRO has rescheduled the high-profile launch of its advanced communication satellite GSAT-11, the heaviest made in India, from Kourou, French Guiana, for additional technical checks, weeks after its communication satellite with military applications GSAT-6A went missing after a perfect launch.

GSAT-11, with a lift-off mass over 5,700 kg, was initially planned to ride piggyback with co-passengers on Ariane space rocket on its mission on May 25.

"The launch of GSAT-11 scheduled during May 2018 from Kourou, French Guiana is rescheduled. The revised launch date will be communicated subsequently," the city-headquartered Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said in a brief statement.

The space agency gave no reason for rescheduling the launch.

However, in a statement on its website, European space transporter Arianespace said the Ariane 5 launch numbered VA243 had been postponed due to additional technical checks the satellite needs to undergo.

It said the Ariane 5 launch was initially planned for May 25.