India’s rising steps in sky and technology: ISRO Launched GSAT- 30

Science Desk, Delhi – Magazine: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its communication satellite GSAT-30 aboard the European Ariane-5 rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana, at 2:35 a.m. IST on Friday, 17 January 2020.

The launch marked another important milestone for India’s space and communication capabilities. Approximately 38 minutes and 25 seconds after liftoff, GSAT-30 was successfully placed into its planned transfer orbit.

Weighing 3,357 kilograms at launch, GSAT-30 was designed to strengthen India’s communication infrastructure and support a range of services, including television broadcasting, telecommunications and satellite-based connectivity.

The satellite was also designed to provide communication coverage across mainland India and the surrounding islands, as well as parts of the Gulf region, Asia and Australia.

What Is GSAT-30?

GSAT-30 is a communication satellite developed by ISRO to provide and improve satellite-based communication services in India and other covered regions.

It was launched using Europe’s Ariane-5 launch vehicle operated by Arianespace. GSAT-30 was the 24th Indian satellite launched by Arianespace.

The satellite was designed to support services such as direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting, telecommunications and other communication networks. It would also help government agencies and private companies deliver communication services through satellite infrastructure.

GSAT-30 had a planned operational life of approximately 15 years. Its power system included two solar arrays and batteries to supply the energy needed to operate its onboard systems.

By strengthening existing satellite communication capacity, GSAT-30 was expected to play an important role in India’s growing demand for reliable communication services.

Why Was GSAT-30 Needed?

One of the primary objectives of GSAT-30 was to replace and continue the communication services provided by the ageing INSAT-4A satellite, which had been launched in December 2005.

As India’s demand for digital communication, television broadcasting and data services continued to grow, additional satellite capacity became increasingly important. The expansion of internet services and preparations for next-generation communication technologies also highlighted the need for stronger communication infrastructure.

GSAT-30 was designed to help meet these requirements by providing additional capacity for satellite-based communication services.

The satellite was expected to support DTH television services, telecommunications and connectivity in areas where terrestrial communication infrastructure could be limited. However, improvements in mobile network coverage and internet speeds would also depend on ground infrastructure, service providers and other technologies.

ISRO’s Planned Missions for 2020

In January 2020, ISRO was preparing for several important space missions. One of the planned missions was Aditya-L1, India’s first dedicated mission to study the Sun.

At the time, the mission was expected to launch later in 2020. Its objective was to study the Sun and improve scientific understanding of solar activity and its effects on space weather. The mission was eventually launched in September 2023.

ISRO had also continued to develop launch vehicles and satellites to support India’s scientific research, communication requirements and space programme.

The successful launch of GSAT-30 on 17 January 2020 was an important step in strengthening India’s satellite communication capabilities and supporting the country’s growing demand for reliable communication services.