Satellite to link border states launched

India successfully launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-29 yesterday with its heaviest rocket — Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV-Mk III) — in a copybook style.

The GSLV-Mk III rocket on its second developmental flight slung the 3,423 kg GSAT-29 satellite in a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) from where it would be taken up to its final geostationary orbit. The whole mission involved an outlay of about Rs5 billion.

Explaining the mission, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K. Sivan said: “The second successful mission of GSLVMk III marks the entry of the rocket into operational phase after completing the developmental phase. This mission is important regarding GSLV-Mk III and GSAT satellite series.”

According to Sivan, GSAT29 with a life span of 10 years is a multi-beam satellite that carries Ka/Ku-band high throughput communication transponders intended to meet the communication requirements of users, including those in remote areas.

He said the satellite will be used for linking Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states under the Digital India programme.