Ariane to launch Isro’s GSAT-16 communication satellite early on 5 December

Indian Space research Organisation (Isro) will lauch GSAT-16, an advanced communication satellite, on early morning (02:08 hrs IST) of 5 December, on board an Ariane rocket from Kourou in French Guiana.

GSAT-16, an advanced communication satellite, weighing 3,181.6 kg at lift-off, is being inducted into the INSAT/GSAT system.

GSAT is configured to carry a total of 48 communication transponders, the largest number of transponders for any communication satellite developed by Isro so far in normal C-band and Ku-band. GSAT-16 carries a Ku-band beakon as well to help accurately point ground antennas towards the satellite, Isro said in a release.

The satellite has an on-orbit life of 12 years and would ensure continuity of various services currently provided by INSAT/GSAT system and serve as an on-orbit spares to meet contingency requirements or for augmentation of services.

An Ariane release said India's GSAT-16 satellite, which is to be integrated on Ariane 5's core cryogenic stage, will co-travel with DIRECTV-14, a much larger satellite that will serve as a 20-kilowatt class Ka-band and reverse-band digital broadcast satellite to deliver Ultra HD and other new consumer services for DIRECTV.

Based on the SSL (Space Systems/Loral) 1300 spacecraft platform with a lift-off mass of approximately 6,300 kg, it will provide services for users across the US (including Hawaii and Alaska) and Puerto Rico.

The launch is designed as Flight VA221, in Arianespace's launcher family numbering system, signifying the 221st liftoff of an Ariane family vehicle from the Spaceport, the European Space agency said in a release.