ISRO successfully launches GSLV-F08 carrying GSAT6A communication satellite from Sriharikota

The ISRO successfully launched the home-made GSAT-6A communication satellite using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota on Thursday.

The high power S-band communication satellite — which has a lifespan of around 10 years — was launched from the second launch pad at the Sriharikota rocket port at 4.56 pm.

The 27-hour countdown for the twin-satellite launch began on Wednesday. 

The countdown for the mission started at 13.56 hours yesterday following clearance from the Mission Readiness Review committee and Launch Authorisation Board, ISRO said.

The Launch of GSLV-F08 marks the 12th flight of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-F08 and sixth flight with indigenous Cryogenic upper stage. 
GSAT-6A, is similar to GSAT-6, a high power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years, it said.

A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multi beam coverage facility.

The satellite will also provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite based mobile communication applications.

GSLV-F08, weighing 415.6 tonnes with a height of 49.1 metre comes with notable improvements like induction of High Thrust Vikas Engine, electromechanical actuation system in place of electro-hydraulic actuation system.

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