Points to Remember:
- Launch Date and Mission
- Orbital Position and Coverage
- Payload Capabilities (Transponders, Frequency Bands)
- Applications and Services
- Technological Advancements
Introduction:
GSAT-10, launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), represents a significant advancement in India’s communication satellite technology. Launched on September 29, 2012, from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana, it was designed to enhance communication services across India and the Indian Ocean Region. Understanding its features requires examining its orbital characteristics, payload capacity, and the services it provides. This description will focus on the factual aspects of GSAT-10’s capabilities.
Body:
1. Orbital Position and Coverage:
GSAT-10 was placed in a geostationary orbit at 83° East longitude. This strategic location provides wide coverage over the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions, including parts of the Indian Ocean. Geostationary orbit ensures the satellite appears stationary from the ground, simplifying tracking and communication.
2. Payload and Transponders:
GSAT-10 carried a payload of 30 Ku-band transponders and 6 Extended C-band transponders. Ku-band transponders are particularly suitable for high-bandwidth applications, while C-band offers wider coverage but lower bandwidth. This combination allowed for a versatile range of services.
3. Applications and Services:
The satellite’s diverse transponder capacity enabled a wide range of applications, including:
- Television broadcasting: Providing channels to various parts of India.
- Telecommunications: Supporting voice and data communication services.
- VSAT networks: Facilitating communication for businesses and organizations.
- Disaster management: Assisting in emergency communication during natural disasters.
4. Technological Advancements:
GSAT-10 incorporated several technological advancements compared to its predecessors. While specific details on the exact technological innovations are not publicly available in great detail, its increased transponder capacity and use of both Ku and C-band frequencies indicate improvements in power efficiency, signal processing, and overall satellite design.
Conclusion:
GSAT-10 was a significant addition to India’s communication satellite fleet, offering enhanced coverage and capacity for various applications. Its strategic orbital position, diverse payload of Ku and C-band transponders, and advanced technology contributed to improved communication services across India and the surrounding region. The success of GSAT-10 demonstrated ISRO’s growing capabilities in designing, building, and launching advanced communication satellites. Future satellite missions should continue to focus on increasing bandwidth, improving coverage, and incorporating advanced technologies to meet the ever-growing demands for communication services, while also considering sustainability and cost-effectiveness. This holistic approach will ensure India maintains a strong position in the global space arena.
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