The ISRO chief told reporters: “We will launch GSAT-6 for strategic applications in July-end or August beginning, with a special antenna that will have a capability to use a handheld device to communicate from anywhere.” He further informed that the 2-tonne GSAT-6 along with its 10 special transponders will be launched using a heavy rocket geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLVA Mark II). ISRO will launch this special GSAT-6 from its spaceport located at Sriharikota in Andra Pradesh. Mr Kumar further added: “The six-metre diameter antenna will be one of the scientific instruments onboard the satellite. We are making optical instruments for measurements using optimal techniques.” He continued: “The instruments are also used in telescopes of 1.2 metre and 0.7 metre mirrors, which are measured to nanometer accuracy.” Actually ISRO’s commercial arm Antrix Corporation Limited and the Devas Multimedia Ltd had entered a pact and the satellite was supposed to be launched much earlier. Then, ISRO was suppose to rent out the transponders of GSAT-6 and GSAT-6A to Devas. In return, Devas would have used the transponders to offer digital multimedia services using S-band wavelength (spectrum) which is usually reserved for the country’s strategic applications. However, in February 2011 the $300 million pact was cancelled by the government invoking sovereignty and ultimately the satellite will now be used for strategic applications. To mark the celebration of “World Metrology Day” which falls on May 20th, this year a three day seminar, symposium and expo related to Metrology was flagged off by the ISRO chief. This seminar was conducted at the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) and it was organized by the Metrology Society of India, southern region.
