Question: The latest communication satellite of India, launched on June 29, 2017 by European Ariane 5 Launch Vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana, is …
(a) GSAT-15
(b) GSAT-17
(c) GSAT-19
(d) GSAT-16
Answer- (b)
Related facts:
- On June 29, 2017, India’s latest communication satellite, GSAT-17 was launched using the European Ariane 5 Launch Vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana.
- The 3477 kg GSAT-17 carries communication payloads in C-band, Extended C-band and S-band for providing various services to the country. The satellite also carries equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite based search and rescue services.
- ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took over the command and control of GSAT-17 immediately after its separation from the launch vehicle.
- The GSAT series of geosynchronous satellites is a system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) with an objective to make the country self-reliant in broadcasting services.
- Significantly, with the successful launch of GSAT-17, India successfully launched the third communication satellite in the last two months.
- The designed in-orbit operational life of GSAT-17 is about 15 years.
Reference:
http://www.isro.gov.in/gsat-17
http://www.isro.gov.in/update/29-jun-2017/indias-gsat-17-communication-satellite-launched-successfully
http://www.isro.gov.in/Spacecraft/gsat-17