Two halves of GSLV D5 payload fairing surrounding GSAT 14 satellite. Photo: ISRO

[Via Satellite 12-26-13] India’s space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has set the date for the launch of its 23rd geostationary communication satellite, GSAT 14. The satellite is scheduled to launch on Jan. 5, 2014, and will become the 10th operational GEO satellite in orbit for the country. Using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), GSAT 14 will be positioned at 74 degrees east longitude. Takeoff will occur from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Center SHAR (SDSC SHAR), Sriharikota, India.

GSAT 14 is planned to provide increased telecommunications capability and to carry with it a new set of experiments. The satellite includes six extended C-band transponders, six Ku-band transponders, and two Ka-band beacons. Onboard experiments include a fiber optic gyroscope, an active pixel sun sensor, both Ka-band beacons and thermal control coating experiments.