Indian Space Agency ISRO has launched its latest communications satellite – the GSAT-6A, which is identical to the GSAT- 6, which was launched in 2015. The satellite, launched by Geosynchronous rocket GSLV-F08 from Sriharikota, was successfully placed in the designated orbit. GSAT-6A is a high-power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years.
Together, the GSAT systems will be able to provide signals that will permit a two-way exchange of data even from even remote locations where mobile connectivity is still limited.
The GSLV has often been dubbed the “Naughty boy” as only five of GSLV’s 11 earlier launches have been successful. 400 scientists and engineers participated in the launch at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located near Chennai.
ISRO Chairman K Sivan commented that ISRO will complete 10 missions this year to facilitate space research, communication and navigation.
A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multi beam coverage facility. It will also provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that will be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.
Compiled with information from NDTV and Doordarshan.
Add Comment