The twenty-third geostationary communication satellite of India that is intended to extend C and Ku-band transponders is GSAT-30. It was launched on January 12, 2023, by Arianespace's Ariane 5 rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.
GSAT-30 is a 2,450-kg (5,400 lb) satellite that is based on the ISRO's enhanced I-3K bus structure. It carries a payload of 48 transponders in the C and Ku bands, which will be used to provide a variety of telecommunications services, including television broadcasting, VSAT, and DTH.
The satellite is also equipped with a number of advanced features, such as a Ku-band beacon transmitter and a high-power amplifier. These features will allow GSAT-30 to provide high-quality and reliable telecommunications services to a wide range of users across India and the Indian Ocean region.
GSAT-30 is the first satellite in India's GSAT-30 series. The second satellite in the series, GSAT-31, is scheduled to be launched in 2024. These satellites will help to meet the growing demand for telecommunications services in India and the region.
In addition to its telecommunications capabilities, GSAT-30 also carries a number of scientific instruments, including a payload for Earth observation and a payload for space weather monitoring. These instruments will be used to gather data on a variety of topics, including the Earth's atmosphere, the oceans, and the sun.
The launch of GSAT-30 is a significant milestone for India's space program. It is the latest in a series of successful launches by ISRO, and it demonstrates the country's growing capabilities in the field of satellite technology. GSAT-30 will play a vital role in providing telecommunications and scientific services to India and the region in the years to come.
