The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently launched the GSAT-30 telecommunication satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) from Kourou launch base in French Guiana. This was facilitated by the European Ariane-5 VA-251. The GSAT-30 is set to replace the INSAT-4A, which was launched back in 2005. In addition to the GSAT-30, a European communication satellite named EUTELSAT KONNECT was also sent into orbit.
Key Features of GSAT-30 Satellite
The GSAT-30 weighs 3,357 kilograms and will be gradually adjusted into an orbit 36,000 km from the Earth. ISRO used a foreign launcher because the GSAT-30’s weight is much higher than the lifting capacity of its GSLV-MkII geostationary launch vehicle, which can lift 2,500kg. ISRO has the GSLV-MkIII that can lift up to 4,000 kg but plans to utilize the upcoming MkIIIs primarily for its first human space flight Gaganyaan scheduled for 2022.
Application and Purpose of GSAT-30
The GSAT-30 aims to provide Direct-To-Home (DTH) television services and connectivity to VSATs for supporting operations of banks’ ATMs, stock exchanges, television uplinking, teleport services, digital satellite news gathering, and e-governance applications. The satellite will also facilitate large-scale data transfer for a range of emerging telecommunication applications.
Area of Coverage
GSAT-30 is designed to cover the Indian mainland and islands with extended coverage to Gulf countries, numerous Asian countries, and Australia in C-band. The Ku-band is expected to provide coverage for the Indian mainland and islands.
| Satellite | Weight (in kg) | Height from Earth (in km) |
|---|---|---|
| GSAT-30 | 3,357 | 36,000 |
| INSAT-4A | – | – |
Geosynchronous Orbit
Geosynchronous satellites are launched in the same direction that the Earth spins and can have any inclination. Geostationary orbits coincide with the equatorial plane. For geostationary satellites, the Earth’s gravitational force is exactly sufficient to provide the acceleration required for circular motion.
About Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
To reach a geostationary or geosynchronous earth orbit, a spacecraft must first launch into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Once in the GTO, the spacecraft uses its engines to shift into a geostationary or geosynchronous orbit.