ISRO successfully launched India’s “high power” communication satellite GSAT-30, onboard Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana. GSAT-30 is an operational communication satellite aimed at providing high-quality television, telecommunications and broadcasting services.
The 3,357-kg satellite, was deployed from the lower passenger position of Ariane-5 launch vehicle (VA 251) into to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO). EUTELSAT KONNECT – which was produced by Thales Alenia Space for Eutelsat – was riding in the upper position of Ariane 5’s payload arrangement, and was released first in the flight sequence at 27 minutes following liftoff.
GSAT-30 is to serve as replacement to the “aging” INSAT-4A spacecraft services with enhanced coverage. Since the launch of India’s APPLE experimental satellite on Ariane Flight L03 in 1981, Arianespace has orbited 24 satellites, including GSAT-30, for the Indian space agency.