Arianespace will launch the GSAT 10 satellite for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under a new contract.

The launch is due for the first quarter of 2012, using an Ariane 5 from the Guiana Space Centre, Europe’s Spaceport.

GSAT 10, weighing about 3,425kg at launch, is fitted with communications, navigation and broadcasting (DTH) payloads.

Its primary payload comprises 12 Ku-band transponders, 12 C-band and 12 extended C-band transponders. Its design life exceeds 15 years.

The satellite is designed, assembled and integrated by ISRO.