New Delhi: India’s latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched from French Guiana in the wee hours today.
The Ariane-5 rocket lifted off from Kourou Launch Base, French territory located in northeastern coast of South America, at 2:31 AM (IST) carrying it along with Saudi Arabian payloads.
An Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO ) release says, after a 42-minute flight, GSAT-31 separated from the booster in the intended elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
After bringing it to its final geostationary orbit using the customary orbit-raising manoeuvres in the next few days, it will be made operational.
🇮🇳 #ISROMissions 🇮🇳#GSAT31 successfully launched by #Ariane5 (#VA247) from French Guiana. After a 42-min flight, GSAT-31 separated from the Ariane 5 upper stage. @Arianespace pic.twitter.com/qVMm3hknSS
— ISRO (@isro) February 6, 2019
ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan said, “GSAT-31 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and coverage . It will provide transponder capacity for DTH television and connectivity to services like VSATs for ATMs, Stock-exchange, Digital Satellite News Gathering DSNG and e-governance applications.”
“The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications,” he added.
The satellite had a lift-off mass of 2536 kg and has an operational life of fifteen years. It replaces the ageing INSAT-4CR in orbit and is India’s fortieth communication satellite.
Ms Kalinga