Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its GSAT-11 satellite known as “Big Bird” successfully into space on 5th December 2018. It was launched from French space port of Kourou in South America. The “Big Bird” was launched at 2:07 am according to Indian Standard Time (IST). This satellite will help providing satellite based internet to the remote places where cable based internet could not reach. It is said that this satellite is the heaviest Indian-made satellite weighing 5,854 kg that is put into its orbit by the organisation.
“GSAT-11 is the next generation high throughput communication satellite that will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country. It will also provide a platform to demonstrate new generation applications,” Dr K Sivan, ISRO chief said.
This launch was not the first attempt as ISRO’s first launch failed in May earlier this year. The launch was placed on its 102nd flight, the Ariane 5 rocket, into space. The satellite is well and fine after the launch, according to ISRO.
This GSAT-11 satellite will also help in providing internet connectivity in the flights in India. ISRO has taken the ariane-5 heavyweight rocket from Arianespace. The GSAT-11 or “Big Bird” has cost aprox Rs 600 crore. The satellite is said to have the life span of 15 years.
The GSAT-11 has the equal power to the combined power of all communication satellites sent into orbit by India. A communication specialist assured that the satellite is the combination of 30 classical orbiting satellites.
French Ariane-5 rocket which is been hired by India due to its heavy payload capacity into the orbit. India’s geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle MK iii or GSLV MK iii has the capability to pull the satellites weighing up to 4 tons.
Dr. Sivan also said that along with GSAT-11, there are GSAT-19, GSAT-29 and GSAT-20 which would give advancement in providing internet access and data communications to the remote areas of India and will benefit the digital India program.
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