GSAT-30 to be launched on Jan 17

Arianespace, in a release, said the launch would take place between 2.35 am and 4.30 am on January 17 (IST).

Along with 3,357-kg GSAT-30, another telecommunication satellite, EUTELSAT KONNECT, for operator Eutelsat would also be launched by Arianespace in its initial flight in 2020.

The total duration of the mission would be 38 minutes and 25 seconds and the satellites would be placed in the geostationary orbit with a perigee of 250 km and apogee of 35,761 km with an inclination of six degrees. This would be the 107th Ariane 5 mission as the company celebrates 40 years since its formation.

The Launch Readiness Review (LRR) will take place on January 14 in Kourou to authorise the start of operations for the final countdown. The launch of GSAT-30 comes in the backdrop of the launch of GSAT-31 for ISRO one year ago.

GSAT-30 is a telecommunications satellite designed and made by ISRO. To be positioned at a longitude of 83 deg East, it will provide high-quality television, telecommunications and broadcasting services over Indian mainland and islands.

GSAT-30, which was installed on Ariane 5 launch vehicle, would ensure continuity of service for India's INSAT 4A.

GSAT-30 is configured on ISRO's enhanced I-3K platform to provide communications services from geostationary orbit in C-and Ku-band for a lifetime greater than 15 years.