- Indian Space Research Orgnisation (ISRO) successfully launched communication satellite GSAT-31 from French Guiana. It was launched onboard of Ariane-5 rocket from Kourou Launch Base.
- GSAT-31 is the 40th communication satellite of India with (a) Coverage area: Indian mainland and Island (b) Features:Will support VSAT banking application, for disaster management, e-governance, stock markets, among others (c)The satellite also provides wide coverage using ku-band transponders(d):Lift of mass: 2,535 kgs (e) It will replace INSAT-4CR launched in 2007 and (f) Mission life: Around 15 years.
- Ku-band is a microwave frequency band used for satellite communication and broadcasting with frequencies in the range of approximately 12-18 gigahertz (GHz) for transmission. With Ku-band, signals can be captured with small antennas and it provides wide beam coverage compared to other bands. It is also less vulnerable to rain and other atmospheric disturbances thus ensure longevity.
- The Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system is one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region with 9 operational communication satellites placed in Geostationary orbit.
