GSAT-16 : Boom in Communications Services

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-16 was placed in orbit by Ariane 5 rocket in the early hours on Sunday from the space port of Kourou in French Guiana. The European launcher blasted off at 2.10am (IST) and hurled the GSAT-16, designed to augment the national space capacity to boost communication services, into space in a flawless flight. GSAT-16 was launched into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

Indian satellite's co-passenger DIRECTV-14, built by SSL (space systems/loral) for operator DIRECTV to provide direct-to-home television broadcasts across the US, was also launched by Ariane 5 VA221, marking 63rd successful mission in a row for the rocket.

With a lift-off mass of 3,181kg, GSAT-16 carries a total of 48 communication transponders, the largest by a communication satellite developed by the ISRO so far.
GSAT-16, with a designated on orbit operational life of 12 years, will boost public and private television and radio services, large-scale Internet and telephone operations.

It will replace INSAT-3E, decommissioned prematurely in April. It is the 18th satellite launched by Arianespace for ISRO, the DIRECTV-14 spacecraft was deployed first in the flight sequence, separating from Ariane 5 nearly 28 minutes after liftoff, followed four minutes later by its GSAT-16 co-passenger. Delivering a total payload lift performance of approximately 10,200 kg, the mission — designated Flight VA221 in Arianespace's numbering system — lofted DIRECTV-14 for operator DIRECTV, along with GSAT-16.

The satellite will boost public and private TV and radio services, large-scale Internet and telephone operations. GSAT-16 will be finally positioned at 55 deg East longitude in the geostationary orbit and co-located with GSAT-8, IRNSS-1A and IRNSS-1B satellites. India's rockets PSLV and the present GSLV do not have the capability to launch satellites of more than two tons class, prompting ISRO to opt for an outside launch. ISRO is presently developing the next big launcher, GSLV-MkIII, which can put satellites of up to 4 tons in orbit.