Bangalore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is awaiting clearance from the European Space Agency, Arianespace to ship its INSAT-3E satellite to Korou in French Guyana for an early August launch.

"The satellite is ready. We are awaiting clearance from the launch agency that they are ready for the launch and we will send it," ISRO satellite centre director Dr P S Goel said on May 30.

He said ISRO was looking at launching the INSAT-3E in early August by a heavier Ariane 5 rocket.

The next-generation communication satellite, INSAT-3E will carry 36 transponders including 24 C-band and 12 extended transponders as payload. The fourth in the INSAT-3 series, the satellite is expected to bridge the gap in demand for transponders by private satellite TV broadcasters, VSAT operators, telecom firms and government agencies, among others.

PTI