The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT-11 satellite also called the “Big Bird from the French space port of Kourou in South America.
The satellite, launched at 2.07 am (IST), will help provide satellite-based internet to remote places where cable-based internet cannot reach. The satellite, weighing 5,854 kg, is the heaviest Indian-made equipment that the agency put into its orbit.
This launch is the second attempt after ISRO’s first bid failed in May this year and was placed into space on its 102nd flight, the Ariane 5 rocket. According to ISRO, the satellite is healthy after the launch.
Dr K Sivan, ISRO chief said –
GSAT-11 is the next generation high throughput communication satellite that will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country. It will also provide a platform to demonstrate new generation applications.
The “Big Bird” was built at a costs for Rs. 600 crore. The ariane-5 heavyweight rocket was hired from Arianespace by ISRO. The satellite is expected to have a life span of 15 years.
The satellite will aid in giving internet connectivity in flights in India.
The GSAT-11 is equivalent to the combined power of almost all communications satellites sent into orbit by India.
India has hired the French Ariane-5 rocket as it can send heavy payload into orbit. India’s own geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle MK iii or GSLV MK iii can haul satellites that weighs up to 4 tons.