In a sensational development, the most powerful communication satellite GSAT-30 was successfully launched onboard Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana at 2:35 a.m. IST on Friday.
Blasting off from a French territory in South America, European launch provider Arianespace’s Ariane 5 vehicle injected GSAT-30 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 38 minutes and 25 seconds. India’s telecommunication satellite GSAT-30 was developed by India’s space agency Indian Space Research Organisation.
Its objective is to replace INSAT-4A which was launched in 2005. The satellite will have a mission life period of 15 years. The satellite is meant for providing high-quality television, telecommunications and broadcasting services.
“India’s communication satellite #GSAT30 was successfully launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit by #Ariane5 #VA251. Thanks for your support !!!” ISRO tweeted soon after deploying the satellite into the transfer orbit.
Confirming the successful launch, Arianespace CEO Stphane Isral too tweeted, “A strong start to 2020 as #Ariane5 successfully deploys its two satellite passengers EUTELSAT KONNECT and GSAT-30 into geostationary transfer orbit! I appreciate the trust from the two customers on this mission: @Eutelsat_SA and @ISRO #VA251 #MissiontoSuccess.”
It is a great start to 2020 for ISRO with the launch and ISRO is looking forward to launching more satellites in coming years. ISRO chairman K. Sivan said, “GSAT-30 will provide DTH (direct to home) television services, connectivity to VSATs (that support working of banks’) ATMs, stock exchange, television uplinking and teleport services, digital satellite news gathering and e-governance applications. The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.”
