GSAT-6 communication satellite successfully placed in orbit

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully placed communication satellite GSAT-6 into its intended geosynchronous transfer orbit.
It was launched by the indigenously built Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-D6 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikotta.

About GSAT-6 satellite

• GSAT-6 satellite was carrying S-Band and C-Band transponders meant for public and strategic purposes.
• The satellite is having S-Band Unfurlable Antenna of 6 m diameter. This is the largest antenna ever made by ISRO for a satellite.
• GSAT-6 satellite will be deployed in constellation of India’s GSAT communication satellites. It weighs 2117 kg and has mission life of nine years.
• Application: to provide S-band multimedia communication and broadcasting services across the country.
• C-Band will provide national security and law enforcement agencies a secured satellite telephony services.

It should be noted that, GSAT-6 is 25th indigenously built geostationary communications satellite and 12th in the GSAT series.

About GSLV-D6

• GSLV-D6 is three-stage heavy weight rocket with indigenously made Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS).
• It is fueled by liquid Oxygen and liquid Hydrogen propellants.
• CUS provides rocket more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to earlier solid and earth-storable liquid propellant rocket stages.

This was the overall 9th flight of the GSLV and marks the second successful GSLV launch using an indigenous cryogenic engine. This successful launch of indigenous rocket with 2 tonnes payload capacity validates India’s expertise in mastering the complex cryogenic technology which has so far been in the exclusive domain of just a few countries.

Month: Current Affairs - August, 2015