GSAT 15 launched by European launch vehicle Ariane VA-227
Q. The nations newest communication satellite has been launched on 11th November Kourou in French Guiana in South America. Name the satellite?- Published on 12 Nov 15a. GSAT 15
b. ASTROSAT
c. IRNSS-ID
d. CARTOSAT
ANSWER: GSAT 15
GSAT 15 was launched on 11th November 2015. This spacecraft weighs around 3164 kgs and will replace INSAT 3A and 4B in the same orbital slot when they expire. This is India’s latest communication satellite. Its 24 transponders in Ku band will serve public and private DTH broadcasters apart from VSAT operators. The lone augmentation or GAGAN transponder in the L1 and L5 bands will ensure GPS based satellite navigation across the region. ISRO has indicated GSAT15 was put into space by European launch vehicle Ariane VA-227 which had ARABSAT 6B as the co passenger. Initial elliptical orbit was close to the intended one. GSAT-15 has cost over INR 850 crore inclusive of fees to European launch company Arianespace.
