TheISROhas selectedArianespaceto launch the organization'sGSAT 10communications satellite. The launch is slated for the first quarter of 2012, using anAriane 5, and will take place at the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport, in Kourou, French Guiana. GSAT 10 will be the 15th ISRO satellite to use the European launcher. Starting with theAppleexperimental satellite onFlight L03in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 13 Indian satellites to date. Arianespace has another Indian satellite in its order book,INSAT 4G(GSAT-8). GSAT 10 is designed, assembled and integrated by ISRO. Weighing about 3,425 kg. at launch, it has payloads for communications, navigation and broadcasting (DTH). Positioned at83 degrees East, its primary payload comprises 12 Ku-, 12 C- and 12 Extended C-band transponders. GSAT 10 coverage zone will include the entire Indian sub-continent. The satellite's design life exceeds 15 years.