The successful launch of ISRO’s communication satellite — GSAT-16 — carrying 48 transponders, which was launched at 02.10 hrs on Sunday by Ariane-5 rocket from France-based firm Arianespace, is expected to change the Indian communication scenario.
GSAT-16, weighing 3,181.6kg, will carry 48 new transponders along with the existing 180, in normal C-band, upper extended C-band, and KU-band, which is expected to help accurately point ground antennas towards the satellite.
This will be the largest number of transponders carried by an ISRO communication satellite so far.
Meanwhile, scientists at ISRO are confident that India will have about 400 transponders by 2017, to expand Indian broadcast and communication services industry.
According to an ISRO Press release, issued from their Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka, ISRO started acquiring the signal from the satellite at 02.41 hrs IST and control of the satellite was initiated. Initial checks ensure that the satellite is working properly.
GSAT-16 is designed to have an on-orbit operational life of 12 years. The communication transponders on board will ensure the continuity of various services provided by INSAT/GSAT system and serve as on-orbit spares to meet the contingency requirements and augmentation of such services.
The present orbit of the satellite will be raised to Geostationary Orbit of about 36,000 km altitude through three orbit-raising maneuvers by the firing of GSAT-16’s liquid Apogee Motor (lAM) Engine.