GSAT-31 launched from French Guiana

India’s communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana. GSAT-31 was launched from the launch vehicle Ariane 5 VA-247.

Features of the GSAT-31

The important features of the GSAT-31 are:

• GSAT-31 would be placed at Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• GSAT-31 will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit.
• GSAT-31 derives its heritage from ISRO’s earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series and will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites.
• GSAT-31 will provide DTH Television Services, connectivity to VSATs for ATM, Stock-exchange, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and e-governance applications.
• GSAT-31 will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.

After separation from the upper stage of Ariane-5, the two solar arrays of GSAT-31 were automatically deployed in quick succession and ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan in Karnataka took over the command and control of GSAT-31.

ISRO scientists will now undertake phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place the satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) using its onboard propulsion system. The satellite would be then placed in its final orbital configuration.