India's 101st space mission becomes successful with the launch of GSAT-10 satellite

29 September, 2012

India has launched its heaviest satellite GSAT-10, from South America's French Guiana. The satellite which is expected to augment telecommunications and direct-to-home broadcasting has been sent to space onboard European Ariana 5 rocket.

WEIGHING 3,400 kilograms, the GSAT-10 that was built by Indian Space Research Organization, will become operational from November 2012, and become available for the user community. The GSAT will add 30 transponders to the domestic INSAT system. The project has costed Rs 750 crore to the exchequer including the cost of satellite and launching fee and insurance.

Launch of GSAT-10 was the 101st space mission of ISRO. Although the satellite has been launched from French Guiana, the master control facility was set up in India at Hassan. ISRO declared the mission as successful soon after the satellite entered into space. The India space agency declared the satellite in good health after all the checks and balances.

The design life of GSAT-10 is 15 years, and it is fitted with 30 transponders that includes 12 Ku-band, 12 C-band and six Extended C-Band. The Ku band is important for seven DTH TV operators and thousands of VSAT operators who provide phone and Internet broadband connections. Whereas C-band is used by public and private telephone and television service providers.