BENGALURU: India’s 40th communication satelliteGSAT-31 was successfully placed in orbit on Wednesday by an Ariane5 rocket from French Guiana.
GSAT-31 is the 40th communication satellite of India. It will replace the InSAT satellite which is nearing the end of its life.
GSAT-31 will be used for supporting VSAT networks, Television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering, DTH-television services and cellular backhaul connectivity.
GSAT-31 will also facilitate communication over large oceanic regions comprising Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
“GSAT-31 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and coverage. It will provide communication services to Indian mainland and island,” ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan said.
Weighing about 2,536 kg, the Indian satellite, GSAT-31, will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites.The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests.
The satellite derives its heritage from ISROs earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series, the space agency said, adding that it will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands.
According to Arianespace, it opened its 2019 mission activity by successfully orbiting a pair of telecommunications spacecraft – Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 (HS-4/SGS-1) and GSAT-31 with Ariane 5 rocket.