GSAT-16
{{Infobox spaceflight
| name = GSAT-16
| image =
| image_caption =
| mission_type = Communication
| operator = ISRO
| website =
| COSPAR_ID = 2014-078A
| SATCAT = 40332
| mission_duration = 12 years (estimated)
| spacecraft_bus = I-3K
| manufacturer = ISRO Satellite Centre
Space Applications Centre
| dry_mass =
| launch_mass = {{convert|3100|kg|lb}}
| power = 5.6 kW solar
| launch_date = {{start date text|6 December 2014, 20:40|timezone=yes}} UTC
| launch_rocket = Ariane 5 ECA
| launch_contractor = Arianespace
| entered_service =
| disposal_type =
| deactivated =
| orbit_epoch =
| orbit_reference = Geocentric
| orbit_regime = Geostationary
| orbit_periapsis =
| orbit_apoapsis =
| orbit_inclination =
| orbit_period =
| orbit_longitude = 55° East
| orbit_slot =
| apsis = gee
| trans_band = {{Ubl
| 12 Ku band
| 24 C band
| 12 Extended C band
}}
| trans_frequency =
| trans_bandwidth = 36 MHz
| trans_capacity =
| trans_coverage =
| trans_TWTA =
| trans_EIRP =
| trans_HPBW =
| programme = GSAT
| previous_mission = GSAT-14
| next_mission = GSAT-6
}}
GSAT-16 is the 11th Indian communication satellite, meant to increase the number of transponders available for satellite-based telecommunication, television, and VSAT services in India. GSAT-16 is similar to GSAT-15 with each satellite weighing 3,150 kg and having power generation capacity of 6.8 kW.{{cite web | url=http://www.satellitetoday.com/launch/2013/11/14/isro-selects-arianespace-for-gsat-15-and-gsat-16-launch/ | title=ISRO Selects Arianespace for Gsat 15 and Gsat 16 Launch | date=November 14, 2013 | access-date=February 4, 2014 | author=Henry, Caleb}}
Launch
Initially launch was planned for 4 December 2014, but was postponed due to inclement weather. GSAT-16 was finally launched on 6 December 2014 from the Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana, by an Ariane 5 rocket.{{cite web|url=http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2014/1245.asp |title=Ariane 5 delivers DIRECTV-14 and GSAT-16 to orbit on Arianespace's latest mission success |access-date=7 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141211024044/http://www.arianespace.com/news-mission-update/2014/1245.asp |archive-date=11 December 2014 }}
Payload
The satellite is equipped with 12 ku, 24 C and 12 Extended C band transponders. The satellite also has the highest Indian ku-beacon transmitter.{{cite web | url=http://www.sac.gov.in/SACSITE/GSAT-16.html | title=GSAT-16 | publisher=Space Application Centre | access-date=October 11, 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://www.isro.org/scripts/futureprogramme.aspx | title=Future Programme | publisher=Indian Space Research Organisation | access-date=October 11, 2013}}
Satellite
GSAT-16 will be the 11th among GSAT series of Indian communication satellites, and will have estimated lifespan of 12 years. It will support civil aviation services apart from backing up the services provided by other communication satellites. The satellite is aimed as a replacement for satellite INSAT-3E{{cite news | url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/ccea-okays-launch-of-gsat15-gsat16-satellites/article4859622.ece | title=CCEA okays launch of GSAT-15, GSAT-16 satellites | work=The Hindu | date=June 28, 2013 | agency=The Hindu | access-date=October 11, 2013 | location=New Delhi | pages=1}}
Cost
The satellite was insured for {{INR}}865 crore. The Department of Space had approved {{INR}}800 crore for the satellite in financial year 2013–14.{{cite news|url=http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail2/story118125/cabinet-approves-gsat-15-gsat-16-communication-satellites.html |title=Cabinet approves GSAT-15, GSAT-16 communication satellites |work=ANI News |date=June 28, 2013 |agency=ANI |access-date=October 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209160654/http://www.aninews.in/newsdetail2/story118125/cabinet-approves-gsat-15-gsat-16-communication-satellites.html |archive-date=December 9, 2014 }}
See also
{{Portal|Spaceflight}}
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
- [http://www.isro.org/scripts/futureprogramme.aspx ISRO Future Programmes]
{{GSAT Satellites}}
{{Indian spacecraft}}
{{Orbital launches in 2014}}