The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chosen Arianespace to launch its GSAT 15 and GSAT 16 telecommunications satellites.

The two satellites will be launched by Ariane 5 launch vehicles at the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The GSAT 15 and GSAT 16 satellites, designed, assembled and integrated by ISRO, will each weigh around 3,150 kg at launch. They will provide C and Ku-band telecommunications services including VSAT transmissions, TV broadcasting and emergency communications.

Commenting on this latest contract, Arianespace Chairman and CEO Stephane Israel said, "We are very proud of being selected by the Indian space agency, and we are particularly honored to continue this partnership that now reaches back over 30 years.

"Through this new contract, Arianespace clearly shows it ability to offer launch services keyed to customers' specific needs. Furthermore, with these two new satellites, Arianespace has now signed all GTO launch contracts this year for commercial satellites in the three-ton class."