India has been creating and breaking its own record when it comes to spacecraft. For a very long time, Indian scientists have dedicated their lives to reach the space. And, for all the space-related activities ISRO is the best research organization of India.
It was ISRO that built India’s first satellite, Aryabhata which was finally launched in 1975. This was the first and one of the biggest successes of ISRO and India. Since then it has come a long way. Recently, ISRO has announced about launching its communication software, GSAT-30. The launch is supposed to take place on 17th January of this year.
The GSAT Series
ISRO designed all the GSAT satellites for the communication purpose of India. GSAT-1, the first of the series was launched on 18th April 2001. The main purpose of the satellite was conducting communication experiments like internet services and compressed digital television transmission. Many other features like the heat pipe radiator panel were also tested in this satellite.
The next in the line was GSAT-2 which mainly operated in S-band and C-band. GSAT-4 was designed for testing a lot of new features. But, the satellite never took off as GSLV-D3 was unable to complete the mission. The same happened to GSAT-5P which was an exclusive satellite for the GSAT series.
GSAT-8, GSAT-10, GSAT-12 are some of the other satellites that were more advanced. The latest GSAT satellite before GSAT-30 was GSAT-31. This was launched in February 2019 and it was configured on ISRO’s enhanced I-2K Bus.
GSAT-30
GSAT-30 is a whole new telecommunication satellite designed by ISRO. The satellite is used as a replacement for the INSAT-4A. But, the preliminary stages of the design are inspired by INSAT. According to ISRO, GSAT-30 will provide enhanced coverage. And, it is one of the main reasons the new satellite is better than INSAT-4A.
Features of GSAT-30
GSAT-30 is designed for improved and efficient spacecraft services. The main coverage that will be provided by this satellite is the Indian mainland and the islands in Ku-band. GSAT-30 will also provide extended coverage in the areas in C-band. It will mainly cover a lot of Asian countries, gulf countries and also Australia.
The weight of the satellite is 3,357 kg. Since GSAT-30 is a communication satellite it is going to enhance television uplink and VSAT services. The satellite is designed in such a way that it is capable of providing information services from the geostationary orbit in C and Ku-band. GSAT-30 has a mission life of fifteen years and it is expected to be a huge success.
Apart from providing television uplink and VSAT services, the satellite will be used extensively for teleport services, DTH television services, digital satellite newsgathering and, many such related applications.
Initial Purpose
Ground-tracking is very essential for every satellite. So, one Ku-band beacon downlink signal is transmitted for GSAT-30. The satellite would orbit EUTELSAT KONNECT. It is a telecommunication satellite for the operator Eutelsat.
Take Off
It is declared by ISRO that the blast-off will take place on 17th January from Ariane Launch Complex, Kourou. It is a French territory located along the north-eastern coast of South America. The time of the take-off is set to 02:35 hrs IST. GSAT-30 is using an Ariane 5 launch vehicle (VA 251) from Guiana Space Centre.
International Relations of ISRO
ISRO has international relations as well as cooperation with many foreign countries. For example, ISRO is carrying out a joint venture with France as the Indo-French Megha-Tropiques Mission. It has also planned a joint venture with NASA as well in 2020.
Organizations like the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts, European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites and the European Space Agency have signed various agreements with ISRO.
ISRO has also launched several satellites from foreign grounds. And, maximum of them are communication satellites and launched from Ariane. ISRO has international relations with more than thirty-six countries.
Annasha Dey is an NIT student, who apart from studying engineering is also a content writer. She has a great interest in photography, writing, reading novels, and travelling as well. She is a foodie who loves socializing and hanging out with her friends. She is also a trained Kathak dancer and a big fashion enthusiast. Dey also loves watching TV series, which includes F.R.I.E.N.D.S. and Big Bang Theory. To be a better writer she prefers to read more