ISRO All Set For The Much Awaited GSAT-16 Launch On December 5

ISRO (or Indian Space Research Organisation) is all geared up for the launch of its latest communication satellite GSAT-16, slated to fire off on 5th of December. The launch will happen from the spaceport of Kourou, French Guiana, while the multi-band satellite is aboard the Arianespace's rocket. Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is in existence for more than 3 decades and presently comprises of 10 satellites (namely: INSAT-3A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-3C, INSAT-3E, KALPANA-1, INSAT-4A, INSAT-4CR,GSAT-8, GSAT-12 and GSAT-10) that provide transponders in S,C, Ext-C and Ku bands. Weighing ~3180 kg at lift-off, the GSAT-16 satellite will feature 38 communication transponders and is said to be operational for a period of 12 years. That means the mission will come to rest by the year 2026.

The satellite will have IMS coverage including Indian Main land, AN, Lakshadweep, Srilanka, Maldives Islands in C band, & Indian main land and Andaman-Nicobar Islands coverage in Ku Band. The ISRO team feels proud to share that this advanced satellite carries the highest number of transponders ever on a SAT from the organisation. Here's a picture of the GSAT-16 in clean room undergoing pre-launch tests -

Gsat16-launch-ISRO-India

As per the press release from ISRO, after its injection into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), ISRO‘s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan will take control of the satellite and perform the initial orbit raising manoeuvres using the satellite’s on-board Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM), finally placing it in the vicinity of circular Geostationary Orbit. Later, the team will deploy the additional appends such as antennas, solar panels and 3-axis stabilization of the satellite will take place. The new satellite is going to be position at 55 degree East Longitude in the GTO and co-located with GSAT-8, IRNSS-1A and IRNSS-1B satellites. The rocket and launch platform are powered by a 540-horsepower engine with dual transmission modes to control its movements with millimeter precision while running at full power.

Moreover, the officials at ISRO have shared that those who wish to witness the live coverage should check the official ISRO website between 02:08 a.m. and 03:18 a.m. on December 5, 2014 as that's the launch window for Ariane Flight VA221. Another fact is that this launch will mark the 77th Ariane 5 mission since its debut in 1996.

GSAT-16 will replace INSAT-3E, which expired prematurely in April this year. Built on a budget of Rs. 800 Crore, the GSAT-16 is going to support civil aviation services apart from backing up the services provided by other communication satellites. With a massive 500 W power generation capacity, the satellite is configured around I-3K extended bus with a lift off mass of 3150 kg. The Asia-Pacific region is going to greatly benefit from the presence of the GSAT-16.

We wish the ISRO a successful launch and look forward to further reports. What are your thoughts? Share with us in comments below.

Replies

  • Rajni Jain
    Rajni Jain
    The launch of #-Link-Snipped-# is postponed due to inclement weather conditions at Kourou, French Guiana 😔
  • vidyateja_18
    vidyateja_18
    Ankita Katdare
    ISRO (or Indian Space Research Organisation) is all geared up for the launch of its latest communication satellite GSAT-16, slated to fire off on 5th of December. The launch will happen from the spaceport of Kourou, French Guiana, while the multi-band satellite is aboard the Arianespace's rocket. Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is in existence for more than 3 decades and presently comprises of 10 satellites (namely: INSAT-3A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-3C, INSAT-3E, KALPANA-1, INSAT-4A, INSAT-4CR,GSAT-8, GSAT-12 and GSAT-10) that provide transponders in S,C, Ext-C and Ku bands. Weighing ~3180 kg at lift-off, the GSAT-16 satellite will feature 38 communication transponders and is said to be operational for a period of 12 years. That means the mission will come to rest by the year 2026.

    The satellite will have IMS coverage including Indian Main land, AN, Lakshadweep, Srilanka, Maldives Islands in C band, & Indian main land and Andaman-Nicobar Islands coverage in Ku Band. The ISRO team feels proud to share that this advanced satellite carries the highest number of transponders ever on a SAT from the organisation. Here's a picture of the GSAT-16 in clean room undergoing pre-launch tests -

    Gsat16-launch-ISRO-India

    As per the press release from ISRO, after its injection into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), ISRO‘s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan will take control of the satellite and perform the initial orbit raising manoeuvres using the satellite’s on-board Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM), finally placing it in the vicinity of circular Geostationary Orbit. Later, the team will deploy the additional appends such as antennas, solar panels and 3-axis stabilization of the satellite will take place. The new satellite is going to be position at 55 degree East Longitude in the GTO and co-located with GSAT-8, IRNSS-1A and IRNSS-1B satellites. The rocket and launch platform are powered by a 540-horsepower engine with dual transmission modes to control its movements with millimeter precision while running at full power.

    Moreover, the officials at ISRO have shared that those who wish to witness the live coverage should check the official ISRO website between 02:08 a.m. and 03:18 a.m. on December 5, 2014 as that's the launch window for Ariane Flight VA221. Another fact is that this launch will mark the 77th Ariane 5 mission since its debut in 1996.

    GSAT-16 will replace INSAT-3E, which expired prematurely in April this year. Built on a budget of Rs. 800 Crore, the GSAT-16 is going to support civil aviation services apart from backing up the services provided by other communication satellites. With a massive 500 W power generation capacity, the satellite is configured around I-3K extended bus with a lift off mass of 3150 kg. The Asia-Pacific region is going to greatly benefit from the presence of the GSAT-16.

    We wish the ISRO a successful launch and look forward to further reports. What are your thoughts? Share with us in comments below.

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