ATM networks to get satellite boost
NEWDELHI: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) will launch India’s fortieth communication satellite, GSAT 31, from Kourou in French Guiana at 2.31 am (IST) on Wednesday, to continue uninterrupted direct-to-home television services, to enhance connectivity for ATMS and point-ofsale card transactions.
The satellite will join the 18 communication operational satellites.
“It is a high-power communication satellite that will enhance connectivity for ATMS, stock exchange and e-governance, bulk data transfer, and emergency communications for disaster management support.
It can also be placed in an alternate orbital slot for providing DTH applications,” said Isro chairperson, K Sivan.
The GSAT 31 will replace the two currently operational INSAT satellites — INSAT 4A and INSAT 4CR — that provide high-quality television and broadcasting services and satellite-based news gathering.
“Anticipating end of the life of the two satellites, Isro is launching GSAT 31. Without it, there might be a disruption in DTH services in India,” said an official, on condition of anonymity.
DTH service providers are currently using 42 transponders on indigenous satellites from the INSAT and GSAT series and 69 transponders on foreign satellites.
“There is a registered demand of additional 64 transponders for immediate future.
As per data reported to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) by broadcasters, there has been a significant growth in the number of high definition satellite pay channels, from three in 2010 to 83 in 2017,”
It is a high-power communication satellite that will enhance connectivity for ATMS, stock exchange and e-governancet
K SIVAN, ISRO chairman
minister of state for information and broadcasting, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, said in April last year in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
The mission life of INSAT 4A, which was launched in December 2005, was 12 years and ended in December 2017. The mission life of INSAT 4CR, launched in 2007, will end in September this year.
“But once the mission life is over the satellite doesn’t necessarily stop functioning. It will keep on working till there is propellant to keep it in orbit,” the official said.
The launch vehicle is the commercial launch provider, Arianespace, as the satellite weighs 2,535 kg and is too heavy for India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle , which has a payload capacity of 2,500 kg.