GSAT-16 Communication Satellite Launched Successfully

The communication satellite GSAT-16 weighing 3,181 kg was stationed into the Geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) by the European Launcher Ariane 5 VA 221 rocket from Kourou space station in French Guyana. The launch was delayed by two days due to   inclement weather conditions. GSAT’s 48 responders, 12 in C-band, 12 in extended C band and 24 in ku band would cover the entire country including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Co journer along GSAT is the US broad cast satellite DIRECTTV-14.

GSAT-16 is tipped to replace the INSAT-3E at 55degrees East longitude which was decommissioned prematurely in April this year. The satellite will augment and boost the communication potential of television, radio, internet, public and private cable operators. ISRO launched its previous communication satellite in January this year. The cost of launching the satellite and its construction was estimated to be 880 crore. This is the 63^rd successful launch of the Ariane 5 rocket. India’s work horse PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles) can launch satellites weighing less than 1 tonne into polar orbits. Lack of reliable launcher, the GSLV’s (GEO synchronous launch vehicles) with cryogenic engines to launch heavier communication satellite to GTO has been a biggest handicap for ISRO so far. ISRO with the successful trial run for testing GSLV in January has broken this jinx. Due to severe crunch of rocket launchers capable of delivering 4 tonnes satellite to GTO, India had to shell huge amount of money to European countries for launching communication satellites.

In a flawless launch, the satellite has been initially places into the elliptical orbit at an elevation of 36,000km and it will be adjusted to a circular orbit by the ISRO’s Mission Control Facility (MCF). Two more course correction adjustments will be carried out by the MCF in Hassan. GSAT-16 with designated with 12 years of operational life is co-located with satellites GSAT-8, IRNSS-1A, IRNSS-1B is 18^th satellite launched by Ariane space for ISRO. With a total of 168 transponders in C-band, extended C band and Ku band from the INSAT and GSAT satellites, India’s telecommunication, television broadcasting, weather forecasting, disaster warning, search and rescue operations will be greatly enhanced. ISRO is now developing the GSLV Mk III capable to carrying communication satellites of INSAT-4 series weighing 4500-5000kg. The existing GSLV Mk I and II are capable to carrying INSAT-2 series of satellites weighing 2000-2500kg into GTO. If ISRO manages to develop the GSLV MK-III India can become self-reliant in launching communication satellites thus reducing our dependency on Ariane Space. Eventually ISRO can compete in the multimillion dollar global satellite launch market earning huge revenues for country too...

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