India's latest communication satellite, GSAT-17 was inducted into the INSAT/GSAT system on June 29, 2017 from Kourou, French Guiana by Ariane-5 VA-238.
Weighing 3477 kg at lift-off, GSAT-17 carries Payloads in Normal C-band, Extended C-band and S-band to provide various communication services. GSAT-17 also carries equipment for metereological data relay and satellite based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites.
GSAT-17 is designed to provide continuity of services on operational satellites in C-band, Extended C-band and S-bands.
GSAT-17 was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by Ariane-5 VA-238 launch vehicle.
After its injection into GTO, ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan takes control of GSAT-17 and performs the initial orbit raising manouvers using the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) of the satellite, placing it in circular Geostationary Orbit.
The designed in-orbit operational life of GSAT-17 is about 15 years. It was the 21st satellite that Arianespace launched for Isro since 1981
Besides GSAT-17, Ariance-5 also put into space Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat SEAN
India added GSAT-17 to its existing fleet of 17 communication satellites with French rocket Ariane-5 successfully launching the 3,477-kg satellite from French Guiana.
The satellite has been inducted into the Indian National Satellite (INSAT)/GSAT system. It carried payloads in the normal C, extended C and S bands, providing various communication services.
GSAT-17 also had equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite-based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites.
Since the launch of the experimental Apple satellite in 1981, Arianespace have bagged 87% of the geostationary orbit launch contracts that India has opened to non-Indian launch systems.
Besides GSAT-17, Ariance-5 also put into space Hellas Sat 3-Inmarsat S EAN, a "condosat" for Inmarsat and Hellas Sat.
The Hellas Sat 3 payload, the second Hellas Sat satellite, will deliver DTH (direct-to-home) and telecom services maintaining and expanding Hellas Sat business reach.
Hellas Sat (member of the Arabsat Group) is a premium satellite operator, offering services in Europe, the Middle East and South Africa from the orbital position of 39 East, Arianespace said.
GSAT 17: Know More- Launch Mass: 3477 kg
- Mission Life: 15 years
- Ariane-5 VA-238
- Type of Satellite: Communication
- Manufacturer: ISRO
- Owner: ISRO
- Application: Communication
- Orbit Type: GTO
