INDIA’S latest communication satellite, GSAT-31 was successfully launched today (6) from the spaceport in French Guiana during the early hours.
The launch vehicle, Ariane 5 VA-247, lifted off from Kourou launch base, French Guiana at 02.31 IST carrying India’s GSAT-31 and Saudi geostationary satellite 1/Hellas sat 4 satellites, as scheduled, said India’s department of space in a release.
“GSAT-31 will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands” ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan said.
"The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.”
In the days ahead, scientists will place the satellite in geostationary orbit (36,000 km above the equator).
During the final stages of its orbit raising operations, the antenna reflector of GSAT-31 will be deployed.
Following this, the satellite will be put in its final orbital configuration. The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests.
Bobby Bawa
