India to launch advanced GSAT-5P satellite on December 20

• India on December 20 will launch the advanced GSAT-5P communication satellite that will replace the ageing INSAT 2E and ensure continuity of telecom and television services.
• Carrying the 2,300 kg GSAT-5P with 36 transponders, India's heavy rocket - the geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV) - will blast off from ISRO's second launch pad at Sriharikota.
• ISRO officials told IANS that the process of filling the liquid and cryogenic fuel will begin around 30 hours before the actual flight when the countdown begins.
• ISRO is also likely to begin the New Year with the launch of Resourcesat-2, an earth observation satellite.
• Remote sensing satellites send back pictures and other data for use. India is a major player in vending such data in the global market.
• "Resourcesat-2 will be the replacement for Resourcesat-1, launched in 2003. For some time, both will work together.Piggy-backing on it will be two small satellites made in Singapore and Russia.
• The satellites will be carried by ISRO's another rocket called polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV) and the launch date is around Jan 20.
• According to ISRO officials the Resourcesat-2 and another small satellite are expected to reach Sriharikota by December end.
• ISRO this year launched two major satellites - communication satellite GSAT-4 and remote sensing satellite Cartosat-2. While the launch of GSAT-4 failed - the GSLV rocket carrying it plunged into the sea due to an engine failure – Cartosat 2 was placed successfully in the orbit.