GSAT-11 : The heaviest satellite built by ISRO

GSAT-11

GSAT–11 is the largest satellite built by ISRO to date. Part of the next generation series of high-throughput communication satellite, GSAT-11 is based on the newest heavy satellite bus by ISRO – the I-6K bus. The bus would be used for heavy satellites under 6000kg.

The satellite is seen as a huge step forward for the communication capability of India and thus reduce reliance on foreign satellites.

Credits: ISRO

 

Although it was initially planned to be launched by the heavyweight lift vehicle of ISRO, the GSLV MkIII it didn’t happen due to some technical reasons. The satellite was then decided to be launched by Ariane-5 on May 2018. However, ISRO recalled the satellite from French Guiana after another GSAT series satellite, GSAT–6A launched in March 2018 lost communication soon after launch.

After the necessary checks were completed and the satellite found fit for launch, it was successfully launched to orbit by Ariane–5 on 4^th December 2018 from Guiana Spaceport.

OBJECTIVES 

GSAT–11 is an advanced communications satellite with antenna coverage over the entire Indian subcontinent. The satellite would reduce the communication gap between rural and urban regions by providing high throughput datalink.

The satellite carries 40 transponders in Ku-band and Ka-band frequencies (32 Ka × Ku-Band Forward Link Transponders & 8 Ku × Ka band Return Link Transponders).

These transponders provide a considerable increase in the data throughput over the existing INSAT and early generation GSAT satellites.

Read: ARYABHATA

GSAT - 11 operation, Credits: GSAT11 press kit

As per ISRO, the satellite would be able to provide a peak data throughput of 16Gbps.

Major applications of the satellite as provided by ISRO are:

• Higher capacity and high data rate for specific regions using spot beam

• Supporting BharathNet connectivity: As per GoI’s Digital India initiative, internet connectivity is stretched to gram panchayats for effective governance

• Aid smart city programs

• Aid dish antenna subscriptions

• Support consumer and enterprise broadband connectivity

 Also Read: GSAT - 31

PAYLOAD

• 32 Ka × Ku-Band Forward Link Transponders

• 8 Ku × Ka band Return Link Transponders

• Coverage:

• 16 Ku band beams covering Indian mainland & Islands

• 2 Ka-band beams over New Delhi & Bengaluru

• There are four terrestrial hubs located in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Ranchi, all interconnected by the Optical Fibre network.

MISSION PROFILE

• Launch Mass: 5854kg

• Launch Vehicle: Ariane 5 ECA

• Orbit: GEO

• Orbital location: 74

• Mission life: 15 year

• Type/Application: Communications satellite

• Manufacturer: ISRO