Isro launches home-made communications satellite
sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) — India on Thursday successfully launched the GSAT-6A satellite that would provide mobile communication facilities, using its heavy rocket Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08), in a copy book style.
The GSLV-MkII rocket slung the satellite in a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) from where it would be taken up to its final geostationary orbit by three orbit raising manoeuvres.
Isro’s scientists at the mission control centre were visibly happy, slapping each others’ backs and hugging each other once the rocket ejected the satellite into the intended orbit.
Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) Chairman K. Sivan said: “This is the sixth successful launch of GSLV with indigenous cryogenic engine. The GSAT-6A satellite was placed in its designated orbit precisely.”
“The GSAT-6A will complement GSAT-6 launched earlier. The two satellites will provide platform for advanced technologies for pointto-point communication.”
He said the GSLV rocket had major improvements to enhance its performance.
The induction of high-thrust Vikas engine enhances the performance capacity of the second stage by around six per cent.
Sivan said the rocket has been fitted with electromechanical actuation system in the place of electro-hydraulic actuation system, adding that the electromechanical actuation system was made with ISRO developed space grade lithium-ion (Li-Ion) cells.
Precisely at 4.56pm, the GSLV rocket ascended into the sky from the second launch pad here at Satish Dhawan Space Centre and the 49.1 metre tall rocket, weighing 415.6 tonne, slung the two tonne satellite into the intended orbit 17.46 minutes into its flight.
The purpose of the satellite is to provide mobile communication applications in S-band in five spot beams and C-band in one beam during its 10-year life span. —
The GSAT-6A will complement GSAT6 launched earlier. The two satellites will provide platform for advanced technologies for point-to-point communication K. Sivan, chairman, Isro