WEB DESK
India’s communication satellite GSAT-31 has been launched successfully from French Guiana in the wee hours today. The Ariane-5 rocket lifted off from Kourou Launch Base at 2:31 am Indian time carrying it along with Saudi Arabian payloads.
An Indian Space Research Organization ISRO release says, after a 42-minute flight, GSAT-31 separated from the booster in the intended elliptical Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
After bringing it to its final geostationary orbit using the customary orbit-raising manoeuvres in the next few days, it will be made operational.
🇮🇳 Mission Accomplished! 🇮🇳
🙏 Thank You for your support 🙏#GSAT31#Ariane5 (#VA247)#ISROMissions pic.twitter.com/ACL7CUXzth— ISRO (@isro) February 6, 2019
ISRO Dr Sivan has said, GSAT-31 will provide transponder capacity for DTH television and connectivity to services like VSATs for ATMs, Stock-exchange, Digital Satellite News Gathering DSNG and e-governance applications. He added, the satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.
The satellite had a lift-off mass of 2536 kg and has an operational life of fifteen years. It replaces the ageing INSAT-4CR in orbit and is India’s fortieth communication satellite.
Though the GSLV rockets are capable of launching payloads of such a mass, ISRO had earlier clarified, the foreign booster’s services have been used keeping in view the urgency attached with it.
🇮🇳 #ISROMissions 🇮🇳
Here's a lift-off video from @Arianespace.#GSAT31#Ariane5 (#VA247) pic.twitter.com/mHvltAXC1Y
— ISRO (@isro) February 6, 2019