Template:Infobox spaceflight GSAT-6A was a communication satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It featured a Template:Convert unfurlable S-band antenna similar to the one used on GSAT-6.[1] Around 17 minutes after lift-off, the three stage GSLV Mk.II rocket flying on GSLV F08 mission successfully injected the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.[2] Due to power failure during its orbit raising burns the communication was lost with GSAT-6A[3][4] before it could reach its final circular geostationary orbit (GSO).
History
GSAT-6A was launched to complement GSAT-6 satellite which was launched in August 2015 by ISRO. The cost of building GSAT-6A was around ₹270 crore.[5][6][7] GSAT-6A was to provide mobile communication services to the Indian Armed Forces.[8]
Launch
GSLV-F08 carrying GSAT-6A spacecraft was launched from Second Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 29 March 2018, 11:26 UTC and after flight of 17 minutes 45 seconds,[9] placed GSAT-6A into its planned geostationary transfer orbit with Template:Convert apogee, Template:Convert perigee and orbital inclination of 20.64°. GSAT-6A spacecraft deployed its solar array after separation from CUS and established contact with ground station.[10]
On GSLV-F08, a High Thrust Vikas engine (HTVE) was inducted on second stage (GS2) of GSLV with 6% higher thrust than before.[11][12] The improved engine increased the payload capability of the vehicle.[9] The electrohydraulic actuation system on second stage was also replaced with simpler and robust electromechanical system.[12] The Cryogenic Upper Stage of GSLV F08 performed a burn to depletion for the first time. Officials said any improvement done to the vehicle would be incorporated into GSLV's future missions.[9]
Loss of communication
The first orbit raising maneuver for GSAT-6A was carried out as planned on 30 March 2018 by firing the Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) for 2188 seconds from 09:22 AM IST. The second orbit raising maneuver was carried out at 10:00 AM on 31 March 2018. As the satellite was on-course for its third and final orbit raising maneuver on 1 April 2018, communication with it was lost and the spacecraft was temporarily untraceable.[13][14][4] After regaining its track,[15] efforts to re-establish communication with the satellite could not succeed.[16][17] Power system malfunction was suspected to be the reason behind loss of contact.[18][19][20]
Satellite replacement
ISRO will launch GSAT-32 satellite as replacement for GSAT-6A.[21]
See also
References
- ↑ GSAT-6A. Indian Space Research Organisation. Retrieved 29 March 2018.
- ↑ GSLV Successfully Launches GSAT-6A Satellite. Retrieved 2018-11-14.
- ↑ GSAT-6A: 30 years on, ISRO loses another satellite to power failure(2018-04-03).
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 We now know the exact location of GSAT-6A communication satellite, says Isro chief. The Times of India(April 10, 2018).
- ↑ ISRO Twin Satellites To Boost Communication For Security Establishment(29 May 2018). Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ↑ Report on hybrid satellite digital multimedia broadcasting service agreement with Devas. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ↑ Report on hybrid satellite digital multimedia broadcasting service agreement with Devas. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ↑ India's new satellite to boost armed forces. NDTV, edited by -Suraj Sarkar 1805. Retrieved 30 March 2018.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 India tests upgraded engine tech in successful communications satellite launch(29 March 2018). Retrieved 30 March 2018.
- ↑ GSLV Successfully Launches GSAT-6A Satellite - ISRO. www.isro.gov.in. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
- ↑ GSLV F08/GSAT-6A Brochure. ISRO. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 With eye on lunar mission, ISRO to test high-thrust Vikas engine. The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2019-11-01.
- ↑ The first orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A Satellite has been successfully carried out by LAM Engine firing for 2188 sec from 09:22hr IST on March 30, 2018. - ISRO. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
- ↑ The second orbit raising operation of GSAT-6A satellite has been successfully carried out by LAM Engine firing for about 53 minutes on March 31, 2018 in the morning. - ISRO. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
- ↑ We now know the exact location of GSAT-6A communication satellite, says Isro chief. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ↑ Chandrayaan-2 to be launched in January-March window in 2019(12 August 2018). Retrieved 1 November 2019.
- ↑ ISRO loses contact with GSAT-6A, trying to establish link. The Economic Times(April 1, 2018).
- ↑ We averted a possible debacle: ISRO chairman. The Hindu(2018-08-11). Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- ↑ Power failure haunts ISRO again as it loses contact with GSAT-6A satellite. ThePrint(2018-04-01). Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- ↑ In Major Setback, Contact With Satellite GSAT-6A Lost, Confirms ISRO. NDTV.com. Retrieved 2022-02-03.
- ↑ ISRO to launch GSAT-32 satellite in October 2019 to replace the silent GSAT-6A. Tech2(2018-08-13). Retrieved 2018-09-25.
Template:GSAT satellites Template:Indian spacecraft Template:Orbital launches in 2018