GSAT 31

GSAT 31

What is the News?

• Indian Space Research Organisation’s 40th communication satellite GSAT 31 was successfully launched from the European spaceport in French Guiana.
• GSAT-31 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and flexible coverage. The satellite will provide communication services to the Indian mainland and islands.
• The 2,536 kg satellite with a mission life of 15 years will replace dying satellite Insat-4CR.

About GSAT 31

• It is a high-throughput telecommunication satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• The satellite will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites.
• GSAT-31 derives its heritage from ISRO’s earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series.
• GSAT-31 will provide DTH Television Services, connectivity to VSATs for ATM, Stock-exchange, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and e-governance applications.
• The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.
• It is the India’s 40th communication satellite which is configured on ISRO’s enhanced ‘I-2K Bus’, utilising the maximum “bus capabilities” of this type.
• Gsat-31 will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in geostationary orbit and provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites.

INSAT-4CR

It carries 12 high-power Ku-band transponders designed to provide Direct-to-home (DTH) television services, Video Picture Transmission (VPT) and Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG).