The Indian space programme achieved another milestone with the successful launch of third generation communication satellite INSAT-3C. The 2,750 kg INSAT-3C was launched from the French Guyanese spaceport of Kourou in South America by European launch vehicle, Ariane-4. It has been successfully placed in its final geo-stationary orbit.

Built by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this "multi-purpose space system" is expected to sharply boost telecommunication and broadcasting facilities in the country. With an operational life of 12 years, the satellite is carrying 24 C-band, six extended C-band and two S-band transponders and a mobile satellite service transponder. It will add more capacity in space for enhanced telephony and television coverage and channels in the country.

This is the second satellite to be launched in the INSAT-3 series, with the first, INSAT-3b already launched in March 2000. INSAT 3A and INSAT 3E are getting ready for launch in the coming year.

-PIB

Vice Admiral Raman Puri has been appointed as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam. He is presently the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) at Naval Headquarters. Vice Admiral SV Gopalachari who is presently ACNS (Policy and Plans) will take over the post of DCNS.

Vice Admiral Raman Puri is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and National Defence College. He was commissioned on January 1, 1966. He has specialised in gunnery and missile. He was Fortress Commander (A&N) at Port Blair before assuming the appointment of DCNS. He is the founder Director of College of Naval Warfare. Some of the ships that he has commanded during his illustrious career include aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, missile destroyer INS Rana and corvette INS Vijaydurg.

Vice Admiral SV Gopalachari was commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1967. He is an anti-submarine warfare specialist. A graduate of Royal Naval Staff College, Greenwich (UK) he attended the Royal College of Defence Studies (UK). He has commanded Indian Naval Ships Abhay, Talwar and Godavari.. He has also held the appointments of Assistant Chief of Personnel (P&C), Director General Seabird and Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Fleet.