ISRO GSAT-17: India's communication satellite launched by Ariane-5 VA-238 rocket; 10 facts to know

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved yet another milestone by successfully launching the GSAT-17 communication satellite, which blasted off from French Guiana. Ariane-5 VA-238 launched the GSAT-17, which weighs 3,477 kg, into space on June 28. 

India’s latest communication satellite carries equipment for metrological data relay as well as satellite-based search and rescue services that was earlier provided by INSAT satellites.

ISRO GSAT-17 satellite provides continuity of services on operational satellites in C-band, Extended C-band and S-bands, the space agency said. The GSAT-17 communication satellite is built on the indigenous I-3K extended bus.

Here are some facts you should know about the ISRO’s GSAT-17 communication satellite:

1. The satellite carries payloads in Normal C-band, Extended C-band and S-band in order to provide various communication services.

2. The in-orbit operational life of the GSAT-17 satellite is about 15 years, according to ISRO.

3. Ariane-5 VA-238 launch vehicle launched the GSAT-17 into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The Ariane 5 rockets are built under the authority of European Space Agency (ESA), and the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales. Ariane 5 rockets are used in heavy-lift launches.

4. The GSAT-17 will carry out satellite-based search and rescue services that were provided by INSAT satellites earlier.

5. Both the antenna reflectors and the two solar arrays of GSAT-17 will be deployed during the final stages. The satellite will then be placed in its final orbital configuration.

6. The GSAT-17 satellite orbited co-passenger Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN for about 41 minutes and then was injected. The Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN is a two-payload “condosat”. Thales Alenia Space for Hellas Sat and Inmarsat produces the Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN.

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7. The GSAT-17 launch was ISRO’s third satellite launch this month. It earlier launched first developmental flight of GSLV MkIII and PSLV C-38 missions.

8. GSAT-17 communication satellite is controlled by ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan.

9. GSAT-17 is ISRO’s 21st satellite to be launched by Arianespace.

10. GSAT-17 satellite will strengthen ISRO’s current group of 17 telecommunications satellites.