Preparations for the May 19 dual-payload mission with Ariane 5 are now in their final phase as the GSAT-8 Indian satellite has been integrated on its launcher.
GSAT-8 will ride as the lower spacecraft in Ariane 5’s dual-payload “stack,” clearing the way for installation of the ST-2 satellite as the upper passenger.
The Indian Space Research Organization designed, assembled and integrated GSAT-8 for direct television broadcasting and aircraft navigation assistance; while ST-2 was built by Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric Company and will be operated for telecommunications relay duties by ST-2 Satellite Ventures Pte Ltd. – a joint venture of Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) and Chunghwa Telecom Company Limited (Chunghwa).