UPSC 2006: Consider the following statements in respect of India's advanced satellite INSAT–4A : 1. INSAT–4A was launched in December, 2005 from New Mexico. 2. The European commercial launch service provider Arianespace was associated with the launch of INSAT–4A. 3. Tata-Sky—a digital cable service provider is associated with DTH television broadcasting services from INSAT-4A. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Statement 1 is wrong because INSAT-4A was launched on 21-22 December 2005 from Kourou, French Guiana—not New Mexico. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INSAT-4A)) Statement 2 is correct: the launch vehicle was Ariane 5 operated by the European company Arianespace. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INSAT-4A)) Statement 3 is correct: the satellite’s Ku-band transponders were leased for Tata Sky’s DTH television service. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INSAT-4A)) Therefore only statements 2 and 3 are valid.