GSAT-31 is a high-throughput telecommunication satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).[2]

GSAT-31
GSAT-31 in deployed configuration
Mission typeCommunication
OperatorISRO
COSPAR ID2019-007B Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.44035Edit this on Wikidata
Mission durationPlanned: 15 years
Elapsed: 5 years, 9 months, 6 days
Spacecraft properties
BusI-2K
ManufacturerISRO Satellite Centre
Space Applications Centre
Launch mass2,536 kg (5,591 lb)
Powersolar arrays, batteries
Start of mission
Launch date6 February 2019
RocketAriance 5 VCA
Launch siteKourou ELA-3
ContractorArianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeGeostationary
Slot82.95°E[1]
48°E (Feb to Sept 2019)
Transponders
BandKu
← GSAT-7A
GSAT-30 →

Mission

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The satellite's main communication payload is Ku band and acts as a replacement of the aging INSAT-4CR.[2] The satellite provides advanced telecommunication to the Indian subcontinent. It is used for VSAT networks, television uplinks, digital signage new gathering, DTH services and other communication systems. This is the 40th communication satellite launched by ISRO and the 22nd launch of ISRO satellite by Arianespace.[3][4][5]

Launch

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The satellite was launched through the 103rd flight of Ariane 5 ECA on 5 February 2019 at 21:01 UTC, the vehicle also deployed Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1.[6]

The launch of the GSAT-30 and GSAT-31 by Arianespace is expected to cost Rs 950 crore.[7]

Relocation

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In July 2019, GSAT-31 maneuvered to lower its altitude and drifted eastward to reach new slot at 82.95°E on 31 August 2019.

References

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  1. ^ "Historical satellite position data for GSAT-31". Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  2. ^ a b "GSAT 31 Brochure". Archived from the original on 7 February 2019. Retrieved 5 February 2019.
  3. ^ "India's 40th Communication Satellite, GSAT-31, Launched". Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  4. ^ "For its first mission of 2019, Arianespace to launch two telecommunications satellites with Ariane 5". Arianespace. Retrieved 2019-09-12.
  5. ^ "Arianespace VA247 launchkit" (PDF).
  6. ^ Bergin, Chris (5 February 2019). "Ariane 5 launches Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1 and GSAT 31". NASASpaceFlight. Retrieved 6 February 2019.
  7. ^ "ISRO faces costly proposition over recall of GSAT-11". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2022-04-06.