India’s advanced multi-band communication satellite GSAT-7 placed in Geosynchronous Orbit

India’s advanced multi-band communication satellite GSAT-7, launched from Kourou, French Guiana in the early hours of August 30, 2013, has been successfully placed in the Geosynchronous Orbit with an altitude of about 36,000 km above Earth’s surface yesterday (September 3, 2013) morning, after successfully completing the last of the three orbit-raising manoeuvres commanded from ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan.

Later in the day, the communication antennae of GSAT-7, including the UHF Helix antenna, were deployed successfully. Following this, GSAT-7 was put in its final orbital configuration, stabilised on its three-axis by the momentum wheels.

The GSAT-7 Satellite would reach its assigned orbital slot of 74 degree East longitude in the Geostationary Orbit within the next 10 days. On September 14, 2013, the communication transponders in UHF, S, C and Ku bands are planned to be switched on.

Based on current availability of hardware and components, the GSLV Vehicle assembly and checkout is expected to be completed at the Vehicle Assembly Building by the first week of December 2013 and the launch could take place by December 2013.

Launch of GSAT-15 and GSAT-16 geostationary communication satellites

GSAT-15 is a geostationary communication satellite, which will carry 24 Ku-band transponders and one GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) payload. GSAT-15 satellite will support the existing Direct-To-Home (DTH) and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services in the country and the GAGAN payload will be a part of GAGAN space segment to provide better air traffic management over Indian Air Space.

GSAT-16 is a geostationary communication satellite which will carry 24 C-band, 12 Ku-band and 12 Upper Extended C-band transponders. GSAT-16 satellite will support satellite based telecommunication, television, VSAT and other services in the country.

GSAT-15 and GSAT-16 satellites are targeted for launch during 2014-16 timeframe.
GSAT-15 and GSAT-16 satellites have been approved in July 2013. The approved cost including the cost of procured launch and insurance are as below

                GSAT-15              :               ` 859.50 Crores
                GSAT-16              :               ` 865.50 Crores

The funds allocated for GSAT-15 & GSAT-16 satellites during the current year 2013-14 is ` 800 Cr.

At present, there are 9 operational INSAT/GSAT communication satellites namely INSAT-3A, INSAT-3C, INSAT-3E, INSAT-4A, INSAT-4B, INSAT-4CR, GSAT-8, GSAT-10 and GSAT-12. The total number of transponders available at present from these satellites is 195 operating in C, Extended C, Ku, and S-bands.

Transponders on communication satellites are leased to users after the launch and operationalization of the satellite. Department of Space leases the transponders on INSAT/GSAT satellites through ANTRIX Corporation Limited, commercial arm of the department. The revenue earned by ANTRIX through leasing of INSAT/GSAT transponders during the year 2012-13 is `.482.67 Crores approximately. This revenue accrues from service providers of Direct-To-Home(DTH) services, TV Uplink services, Digital Satellite News Gathering(DSNG) services and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services. This revenue does not include the capacities provided to various societal applications such a tele-education, tele-medicine, Village Resource Center, Disaster Management and part of public broadcasting services, which are not of the nature of revenue-earning services.