GSAT-8

GSAT-8 or INSAT-4G is communication satellite. It was constructed by the Indian Space Research Organisation, as part of INSAT system. GSAT-8 was launched on May 21, 2011 from Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket, an Ariane 5 was the carrier, marketed by the European Arianespace. First satellite to carry GAGAN payload followed up by GSAT-10 and in-orbit spare GSAT-15.[2][3]

GSAT-8

GSAT-8
Mission type	Communication
Operator	INSAT
COSPAR ID	2011-022A
SATCAT no.	37605
Mission duration	Planned: 12 years Elapsed: 9 years, 7 months, 28 days
Spacecraft properties
Bus	I-3K
Manufacturer	ISRO
Launch mass	3,093 kilograms (6,819 lb)[1]
Dry mass	1,426 kilograms (3,144 lb)[1]
Power	6,242 watts[1]
Start of mission
Launch date	20 May 2011, 20:38 UTC
Rocket	Ariane 5ECA VA202
Launch site	Kourou ELA-3
Contractor	Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Geostationary
Longitude	55° East
Transponders
Band	24 Ku band and 2 in L1 & L5 bands (GAGAN)
GSAT

Launch

Prior to launch, the spacecraft was transported from India to Cayenne – Rochambeau Airport in French Guiana by an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft. The success of the launch is said to have made up for the previous loss of two satellites on the indigenous GSLV rocket.[4][5] GSAT-8 was co-located with INSAT-3E at 55°E.

References

1. "GSAT-8 Brochure" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 March 2013. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
2. "GAGAN - GPS Aided GEO Augumented Navigation". www.isac.gov.in. Retrieved 2017-11-30.
3. "SALIENT FEATURES OF GSAT-8". www.isac.gov.in. Retrieved 2018-03-17.
4. "GSAT-8 communication satellite launched successfully, India's advanced communication satellite". Indian Space Research Organisation. Retrieved 2013-03-13.
5. Naravane, Vaiju (21 May 2011). "Ariane 5 launches GSAT-8 from French Guiana, India's advanced communication satellite". Chennai, India: The Hindu.