Isro to launch communication satellite GSAT-6 on August 27

Isro will launch the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) D6 carrying India's latest communication satellite GSAT-6 from Sriharikota on August 27.

Isro will launch the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) D6 carrying India's latest communication satellite GSAT-6 from Sriharikota on August 27 .

“One of the advanced features of GSAT-6 satellite is its S Band unfurlable antenna of 6 m diameter. This is the largest satellite antenna realized by our space agenc. The antenna will be utilised for five spot beams over the Indian main land,” Isro chairman Kiran Kumar told HT.

GSAT-6 is the country's 25th geostationary communication satellite built by Isro and 12th in the GSAT series. After its commissioning, GSAT-6 will join the group of India’s other operational geostationary satellites.

GSAT-6 satellite provides communication through five spot beams in S band and a national beam in C band for strategic users.

The cuboid shaped GSAT-6 has a lift off mass of 2117 kg. Of this, propellants weigh 1132 kg and the dry mass of the satellite is 985 kg.

After its injection into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, Isro’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hasan takes control of GSAT-6 and performs the initial orbit raising manoeuvres by repeatedly firing the Liquid Apogee Motor on board the satellite finally placing it in the Geostationary Orbit. After this, deployment of the antenna and three axis stabilisation of the satellite will be performed. GSAT-6 will be positioned at 83 degree East longitude.

Following the GSAT-6 Isro will launch Astrosat, the country's first astronomical satellite aimed at studying distant celestial objects in the end of September.