On November 14, 2018, Indian Space Research Organization successfully launched GSAT-29 satellite from Sriharikota. Weighing 3,423 kg, the satellite was meant to improve communication networks, specifically in Jammu-Kashmir and North-East. At the time, GSTA-29 was the heaviest Indian satellites.
However, ISRO is all set to launch another satellite in the Orbit on December 5, 2018, which is billed as the heavier than the heaviest. GSAT-11 weighs 5,854 kg and is all set to be launched from French Guiana by Europe’s Ariane-5 rocket. The satellite is targeted to help improve internet speed in the country. Although the communication satellite was originally planned to be launched much earlier in the year, that plan was scrapped and pushed back due to some glitches.
(Courtesy: DD News)
The launch of GSAT-11, the heaviest Indian satellite, falls in line with ISRO’s ongoing efforts and experiments to develop heavier rockets for use in the manned space mission planned for 2022. The space organization is testing new technologies, equipment, and alternatives. So, in the coming days, you can expect many more launches of Indian satellites that will assumingly be much heavier than GSAT-11.
Just for the reference, the heaviest communication satellite in the world weighs over 7,000 kg. Telstar 19 VANTAGE wassuccessfully launched by Space X on 22 July 2018.
(Courtesy: UNI)