Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made headlines with the successful launch of a communications satellite, CMS-01. This significant development came on the heels of a November 2020 mission in which ISRO launched India’s Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-01, along with nine other customer satellites.
About the CMS-01 Satellite
CMS-01 has been envisioned as a communications satellite that will provide services in the extended C Band frequency spectrum. The C Band is part of the electromagnetic spectrum within the microwave range of frequencies; it spans from 4.0 to 8.0 gigahertz (GHz). The coverage of CMS-01 is set to include the Indian mainland, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Lakshadweep Islands. The satellite’s projected lifespan exceeds seven years.
The satellite was accurately injected into its predetermined sub-Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), with future plans to place it in a specified slot in the Geo-Synchronous Orbit through a series of manoeuvres. Another notable point is that CMS-01 is set to replace GSAT-12 and enhance its services.
The Role and Achievements of GSAT-12
Developed by ISRO, GSAT-12 is a communication satellite that offers various services like Tele-education, Tele-medicine and Village Resource Centres (VRC). In an effort to deliver space-based services directly to rural areas, ISRO initiated the Village Resource Centres (VRCs) programme in association with NGOs/Trusts and state/central agencies.
ISRO’s Forthcoming Mission: PSLV-C51
ISRO’s next special mission, PSLV-C51, will carry India’s first satellite under the newly announced space reforms programme. Recently, the Indian government declared that it would open the space sector to private players with the inception of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe). The Centre aims to guide and promote private industries in space activities through policies that encourage growth and a conducive regulatory environment.
Satellites on Board PSLV-C51
The satellites lined up for the PSLV-C51 mission include Anand from Pixxel India, Satish Sat from Space Kidz India, and Unity Sat from a group of universities.
About the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
PSLV, or the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is India’s third-generation launch vehicle and the first to be equipped with liquid stages. Since its initial successful launch in October 1994, PSLV has been used for crucial missions such as Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013.
Other Indian Space Launch Vehicles
Two other Indian launch vehicles are the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II and GSLV MkIII. The GSLV Mk II, which is currently in operation, is the largest launch vehicle developed by India. Both vehicles have three stages and various features including liquid strap-ons and cryogenic upper stages.
Understanding Geo-Synchronous Orbits
A geo-synchronous orbit is a high Earth orbit that enables satellites to match Earth’s rotation. Perched at a distance of 22,236 miles from the equator, this strategic position is valuable for monitoring weather, communications, and surveillance.
Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbits
To reach geosynchronous Earth orbits, spacecraft are initially launched into an elliptical orbit known as Geo-Synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). GTOs are highly elliptic, with a perigee (closest point to Earth) as high as low Earth orbit (LEO), and an apogee (furthest point from Earth) as high as geostationary orbit.
