GSAT-18 – The latest communication satellite of India was successfully launched today by a heavy duty rocket of Ariane space from the spaceport of Kourou in French Guiana.
The launch was scheduled for yesterday, but delayed by 24 hours due to the unfavourable weather conditions at Kourou. Kourou is a French territory located in northeastern coast of South America.
GSAT-18 is built by the Indian Space Research Organisation. The aims of GSAT-18 is to provides telecommunications services for the country by strengthening ISRO’s current fleet of 14 operational telecommunication satellites.
European launcher Ariane-5 VA-231 blasted off at around 2 AM (IST) and injected GSAT-18 satellite shortly after orbiting co-passenger Sky Muster II satellite for Australian operator NBN(National Broadband Network) in a flawless flight lasting about 32 minutes.
GSAT-18 satellite was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) about 32 minutes after the lift-off.
After the mission, Begaluru headqartered ISRO announced that GSAT-18 successfully launched by Ariane-5 VA-231 from Kourou, French Guiana. Satellite GSAT-18 is the 20th satellite from ISRO to be launched by the European space agency and the mission is the 280th for Ariane space launcher family.
ISRO has been dependent on Ariane-5 rocket for carrying its heavier satellites, so SIRO is developing GSLV Mk III for this purpose. GSAT-18 carries 48 communication transponders to provide services in Upper Extended C-band, Ku bands , and Normal C-band of the frequency spectrum.
After the successfully launch of the satellite, Arianespace CEO – Stephane Israel tweeted that “We take great pride in our strong relationship w/ @ISRO! Tonight marks 20 sats. launched for India’s space agency & more to come. Congrats!” ISRO
He added that I am really delighted this evening having witnessed another glorious and flawless lift-off of Ariane-5 VA-231 flight that carried GSAT-18 and Sky Muster II successfully.
The Chief of ISRO said that GSAT-18 satellite is an important satellite for us that will enable the continuity of the vital communication services in our country by replacing the currently ageing satellites.
Today, PM Narendra Modi tweeted that congratulates ISRO scientists for the successful launch of communication satellite GSAT-18 and saying it was another milestone in space programme of India.
