Isro sources say the satellite is now being tracked by a ground station in Canada.
GSAT-1 is drifting at the rate of 13 degrees per day and will continue to be tracked by Isro through a chain of ground stations across the globe. However it would come into MCF's view only later this month. Lack of propellant to the tune of ten kg had dashed the hopes of Isro putting it at its space home of 48 degrees east longitude in a geostationary orbit. The satellite, which was three axis stabilised, entered the drift orbit on April 23 after the last firing of the apogee boosters to increase the orbital period of the satellite, which was at the time of its drift 50 minutes short of the orbital period of 24 hours. Though the communication payload could not be switched on, Isro scientists aim to carry out certain experiments when the satellite reappears in direct contact with MCF at Hassan.