ISRO set to launch GSAT-31: Here's what makes India's 40th communication satellite special
The Indian Space Research Organisation will on Wednesday launch its 40th communication satellite GSAT-31. The launch is scheduled onboard Ariane-5 launch vehicle (VA 247) from French Guiana. With a mission life of 15 years, the satellite will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. It will also augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit. (Photo: ISRO)
GSAT-31 is configured on ISRO's enhanced I-2K Bus, utilising the maximum bus capabilities of this type. Weighing about 2535 kg, the satellite derives its heritage from ISRO's earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series. It provides Indian mainland and island coverage. Providing wide beam coverage using a wide band transponder, it will be able to facilitate communication over large oceanic region comprising large part of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. (Photo: ISRO)