GSAT-31 to replace INSAT-4CR

A high-throughput communication satellite GSAT-31 is scheduled for launch by Arianespace, from French Guiana (South America) aboard Ariane-5 (VA 247) on 6 February.

The 2535 kg GSAT 31 is India’s 40th communication satellite. It will be used for high-speed internet, telecommunication services, and broadcasting (such as VSAT networks, Television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering, DTH-television services, cellular backhaul connectivity etc.).

The GSAT-31 is a 15 years mission life satellite to be launched in the Geosynchronous orbit and it will replace the ageing INSAT-4CR communication satellite. INSAT-4CR was launched in September 2007 as a part of India’s communication satellite system to replace INSAT-4C.

GSAT-31 will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit. This satellite is configured on ISRO’s enhanced ‘I-2K Bus’, utilizing the maximum “bus capabilities” of this type.

Using a wideband transponder GSAT-31 will also provide wide beam coverage to facilitate communication over a large oceanic region along Indian coast (viz. the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean).

ISRO’s future projects

• To operationalize the PSLV-C45 in March to launch the advanced electronic intelligence satellite EMISAT.
• Radar imaging satellite RISAT 2BR 1 in the PSLV-C47 for reconnaissance and strategic surveillance.
• Second Moon Mission Chandrayaan-II in April using GSLV-MK III.
• Launch the earth observation satellite Cartosat-3 in the PSLV-C46 mission.

Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4

HS-4/SGS-1 are another communication satellites onboard in launch vehicle along with GSAT31.

The HS-4/SGS-1 satellite was designed, assembled and integrated by the U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin Space.

HS-4 will provide advanced Ku-band regional beam communication services and used for DTH services for Greek-Cypriot operator. While SGS-1 will provide advanced Ka-band spot beam communication services for secure communication in the Gulf Cooperative Council region.

Arianespace-ISRO ties

Since the launch of Indias APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 22 satellites and signed 24 launch contracts with the Indian space agency

Arianespace

Arianespace is a French company (a subsidiary of Ariane Group) which provides satellite launch facilities.

Its Headquarters is based in Evry, France (near Paris).

Arianespace has orbited more than 590 satellites since 1980, using its three launchers, Ariane, Soyuz and Vega, from launch sites in French Guiana (South America) and Baikonur, Kazakhstan.