ISRO Successfully Launches GSAT-29 Communication Satellite

The countdown to the launch of GSAT-29 also started on Tuesday.

Photo of GSLV-Mk III carrying GSAT-29 communication satellite.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/ISRO)

GSAT-29 communication satellite, which is being carried by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-Mk III) was successfully launched into space on Wednesday, 14 November, at 5:08 pm.

With the launch, the satellite aims at solving the communication barriers faced by Village Resource Centres (VRCs), which are responsible for providing space-based services to ISRO from rural areas.

The launch took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Wednesday evening, defying earlier speculation of delay in the launch due to cyclone ‘Gaja’, which is expected to cross the Tamil Nadu coast on 15 November.

WHY GSAT-29 SATELLITE MATTERS

The GSAT-29 Satellite.(Photo Courtesy: ISRO)

The GSAT-29 is a communication satellite with a weight of 3,423 kg that aims to solve the communication barriers faced by Village Resource Centres (VRCs) who are responsible for providing space-based services to ISRO from rural areas.

The satellite is designed for a mission life of 10 years and will also serve as a test-bed for several new technologies in providing latest communication technologies.

“The GSAT-29 carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders intended to meet the communication requirements of users including those in remote areas. In addition, several new technologies such as Q/V-band payload, data transmission through optical communication link will be demonstrated in this programme. This will help in realising future advanced satellites.”

ISRO

Here are some of the important features of the GSAT-29 satellite, as listed by ISRO on its website:

• High Throughput Communication Satellite
• Connectivity to Remote Areas
• Q/V-Band Payload
• High Resolution Imaging from GEO
• Optical Communication Technology

THE MISSION

The rocket carrying carry GSAT-29 – that weighs 3,423 kg (just over 3.4 tonnes) – will sling it into Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO) with required inclination to the equator, just over 16 minutes into its flight.

The satellite will be placed in its final Geostationary Orbit (GEO) at a height of 36,000 km from Earth, using the on-board propulsion system. “It may take few days after separation from launcher to reach its orbital slot,” ISRO said.

THE GSLV-MK III ROCKET

According to ISRO, this will be the second developmental flight of GSLV-Mk III rocket with a rated carrying capacity of four tonnes. GSAT-19 was the first of the series that was sent up into the orbit in June 2017.

The GSLV MkIII-D2 on the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.(Photo Courtesy: ISRO)

GSLV MkIII is a three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO.

The vehicle has two solid strap-ons, a core liquid booster and a cryogenic upper stage. GSLV Mk III is designed to carry 4 ton class of satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) or about 10 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is about twice the capability of GSLV Mk II.

ISRO

(With inputs from PTI and IANS)