GSAT 15, Nation’s latest communications satellite was instigated successfully by the European Ariane 5 VA-227 launch Vehicle on November 11 from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana in South America. It was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- GSAT-15 is the 19th payload launched by European Space Agency “Arianespace” for ISRO.
- Indian satellite GSAT-15 is intended to deliver telecommunications services that will provide more bandwidth for Direct-to-Home television and VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) services.
- Its design also dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services.
Along with GSAT-15 Arianespace also launched Arabsat-6B (BADR -7) through its rocket Ariane 5 which will provide broadcast, broadband and telecommunications services over the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.
Features of GSAT 15
The satellite is the 10th one in the series of GSAT satellites. GSAT 15 carries a payload of 24 Ku-band transponders (automatic receivers and transmitters of radio signals) and 2 GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) transponders and 2 Ku-Band beacons.
| Manufacturer | ISRO Satellite Centre & Space Applications Centre |
| Cost of Launch | Rs 860 Crore |
| Mission Duration | 12 Years |
| Mass | 3,164 kilograms (6,975 lb) |
GSAT-15 will enable ISRO to provide continuity of service to Indian users in Ku-band and the navigation payload will provide in orbit backup to ensure safety of life navigation services in civil aviation sector as well as other location based services to various services in the Indian region.
Keys
- GSAT-15 is the 3rd satellite to carry GAGAN payload after GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.
- The first Satellite of GSAT series “GramSat 1” was launched in April, 2001.
- The GSAT series of geosynchronous satellites is a system developed by ISRO aimed to make India self-reliant in broadcasting services.