AMN
India today successfully launched GSAT-6A communication satellite from Sathish Dhawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, about 110 kilometres from Chennai. It was launched at the scheduled time of 4.56 PM from the second launch pad of the Centre. The countdown had begun at 1:56 PM yesterday.
The GSLV-MkII rocket set 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. The lifespan of the orbit is over 10 years.
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. This is also the first GSLV rocket launch after Director Sivan took over as Chairman of ISRO.
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The GSLV F 08 is a three-stage rocket. The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel while the four strap-on motors by liquid fuel. The second is the liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine.The 49.1-metre tall rocket weighing 415.6 ton soared into the evening bright sky with red and orange flames pushing it from behind. GSAT 6 A was injected into the intended orbit 17.46 minutes into its flight.
According to ISRO, two improvements-induction of high thrust Vikas engine and electromechanical actuation system – have been made in the rocket’s second stage this time.One of the crucial rocket engines is the cryogenic engine which is more efficient as it provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant burnt.
This successful launch also establishes the fact that the performance of its GSLV-MkII rocket technology could fetch more orders commercially. Revenue for launching satellites depends on the weight of the satellite-higher the weight, higher will be the revenue.