Isro

French commercial launch service provider Arianespace has successfully launched India’s latest communications satellite GSAT-15 from the space center of Kourou in French Guiana.

Following a flight duration of around 43 minutes, GSAT-15, was separated from the launcher and injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

The 3,164 kg satellite, installed into India’s INSAT / GSAT system, was launched by an Ariane 5 VA-227 vehicle.

The heavy launcher also carried another satellite Arabsat-6B (BADR-7).

Indian Space Reseach Organisation (ISRO) said that the satellite carried 24 communication transponders in Ku-band and a GPS-Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload that operates in L1 and L5 bands.

In addition to providing telecommunications services, the satellite will provide navigation-aid and emergency services.

With GSAT-15, Arianespace has launched 19th satellite in total for ISRO.

This is also the sixth launch for Ariane 5 in this year and 69th overall till now.

Besides, this is the last launch of this year from the French Guiana Space Center for Arianespace’s heavy launcher.

"GSAT-15 satellite signal has been acquired by Master Control Facility at Hassan (in Karnataka)."

ISRO satellite centre director M Annadurai was quoted by PTI as saying: "GSAT-15 satellite signal has been acquired by Master Control Facility at Hassan (in Karnataka).

"The initialisation commands are in process and the satellite health is hail and healthy."

By next year, ISRO will launch two more communication satellites, GSAT-17 and GSAT-18, through Ariane vehicle.

GSAT-15, positioned at 93.5° East, has a life of 12 years.

Image: India’s latest communication Satellite GSAT-15. Photo courtsey of ISRO.