India’s communication satellite, GSAT-31 launched successfully

India’s latest communication satellite, GSAT-31 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana on February 6, 2019. The launch vehicle Ariane 5 VA-247 lifted off from Kourou launch base, French Guiana carrying India’s GSAT-31 and Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 satellites, as scheduled.

With a lift-off mass of 2,536 kg, GSAT-31 will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in geostationary orbit. The satellite will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. GSAT-31 derives its heritage from ISRO’s earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series. 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.

Dr K Sivan Chairman, ISRO
“GSAT-31 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and flexible coverage. The satellite will provide communication services to the Indian mainland and islands. GSAT-31 will provide DTH television services, connectivity to VSATs for ATM, stock-exchange, digital satellite newsgathering (DSNG), and e-governance applications. The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.”