Watch: India’s Latest Satellite GSAT-31 Successfully Launched; To Play Vital Role In Communication Services

India’s latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched by Arianespace from its launch centre in French Guiana in the early hours of Wednesday (6 February), Hindustan Times reported.

It is India’s fortieth communication satellite.

The European launch agency used the Ariane 5 rocket from which GSAT-31 separated after a flight time of 42 minutes.

A video of the lift-off and the subsequent flight was shared by ISRO on Twitter.

The GSAT-31 satellite would replace the ageing INSAT-4CR and play a vital role in providing high-speed internet, telecommunication services and broadcasting.

This satellite has an unique configuration which can provide flexible frequency segments and coverage. Its service range would be over the Indian mainland and its islands.

Having a liftoff mass of 2,535 kg the mission life of GSAT-31 is estimated at 15 years. It will support VSAT networks, television up-links, DTH services, cellular connectivity and more.

In the coming days, phase-wise orbit raising manoeuvres would be undertaken to place the satellite in a geostationary orbit via its on-board propulsion system.

Finally its antenna reflector would be deployed following which the satellite would be put in its final orbital configuration. After it successfully completes all the in-orbit tests it would be commissioned into service.