ISRO launches GSAT 31 communication satellite |
India`s communication satellite GSAT-31 has been launched successfully from French Guiana early wednesday morning. GSAT-31 is India`s fortieth communication satellite. The Ariane-5 rocket lifted off with it from Kourou Launch Base at 2:31 am Indian time. Though India`s own GSLV rockets are capable of launching such payloads, ISRO has clarified, the foreign booster`s services have been used keeping in view the urgency attached with it, as the available GSLV rockets have been booked for other important missions like the forthcoming Chandrayaan-2. GSAT 31 was placed in the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, Within 42-minutes of the launch. ISRO chairman Dr Sivan said, GSAT-31 will provide transponder capacity for DTH television and connectivity to services like VSATs for ATMs, stock-exchanges, 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. GSAT-31 satellite has the footprint over both mainland India and her island territories. It has an operational life of over fifteen years, offering seamless services by replacing the ageing INSAT-4CR satellite. Eleven such satellites are already in operation, serving the nation in space.
|
|
|
|