An Indian communication satellite GSAT-18 was successfully put into orbit by Ariane 5 rocket belonging to French company Arianespace on Thursday, Indian space agency said. The rocket lifted off from its spaceport in Kourou (French Guiana). According to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) its Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took control of GSAT-18 and performed the initial orbit raising activities by firing the motors onboard the satellite.
The satellite was placed in a circular geostationary orbit, ISRO said. GSAT-18 is India’s latest communication satellite with 48 transponders that receive and transmit communication signals. The 3,404 kg satellite will provide services in normal C-band, upper extended C-band and Ku-bands of the frequency spectrum.
The satellite carries Ku-band beacon as well to help in accurately pointing ground antennas towards the satellite. Its designed in-orbit operational life is about 15 years. “It is now the