Communication Satellite HYLAS Launched

Advanced communication satellite HYLAS, built by ISRO in partnership with Europe's space leader EADS-Astrium was successfully launched from French Guyana on 4 December 2010. HYLAS which is developed for Avanti Communications of UK consists of ten high power transponders that use eight Ka and two Ku band frequencies. HYLAS weighs 2541 kg at lift-off and is considered to be the heaviest satellite built by ISRO for I-2K bus. It is capable of operating for over 15 years mission life as demanded by the customer. Its solar panels generate a maximum of about 3200 watts of power. HYLAS that has been designed to deliver high-speed broadband services through its spot beams over Europe is expected to operate from 33.5 deg West longitude for European coverage.

The contract to build HYLAS was won in 2006 after wading off stiff competition from leading manufacturers in USA and Europe through the strategic alliance worked out between Antrix/ISRO and M/s EADS Astrium of France. The alliance was formed to jointly develop communication satellites with ISRO platforms and Astrium payloads.
Antrix/ISRO is also responsible for the post launch operations of HYLAS which will include firing of its Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in three phases to place the satellite in geo-stationary orbit.