India's advanced communication satellite GSAT -8 was successfully launched into its geosynchronous transfer orbit by Arianespace's launch vehicle Ariane-5 from Kourou in French Guyana on early Saturday.
Weighing about 3100 Kg, GSAT-8 is configured to carry 24 high-power transponders and a two channel GPS-aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload. Once it was introduced into its intended orbit, ISRO's master control facility in Karnataka's Hassan took control of the satellite and placed it into the geostationary orbit. The satellite will be positioned at 55 degree E longitude and co-located with INSAT 3E satellite. Its designed in-orbit mission life is more than 12 years.
The Ku-band (11-14 Gigahertz) transponders will augment the capacity of the INSAT system. While, GAGAN will improve the accuracy of positioning information received from GPS satellite through an improved network of ground-based receivers that will be made available to users in India through geostationary satellites.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) spokesperson S Satish explained that GSAT-8 is essentially meant for DTH (direct to home) television services, but ISRO — still smarting from the Devas controversy — is not in a mood for leasing out bandwidth to private players. "None of the available bandwidth will be leased out to private operators. Doordarshan will use all of it, which will increase the state-run broadcaster's reach in the country," he explained.
ISRO's spent Rs 300 crore for the launch, and the project's cost is about Rs 600 crore.
"ISRO has 151 transponders that provide a variety of services. The launch of GSAT-8 will augment the transponder capacity with the addition of 24 Ku band transponders, taking it to a total of 175," Satish said.
ISRO had lost two satellites last year during its unsuccessful GSLV missions.
Proud to be an Indian. My India, Jai India
No comments:
Post a Comment