The heaviest satellite that India has ever made is also a jumping-off point for the country to execute the Digital India programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Weighing up to 6000 Kg is an advanced communication satellite – GSAT 11, which will usher in satellite-based Internet services for the first time, as a boon to rural India.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has chosen Arianespace, a multinational company, to launch its GSAT-11 telecommunications satellite. The satellite is getting ready to be shipped to Kourou in French Guiana, South America, to be strapped on to the French Ariane 5 rocket, because the powerful rocket can carry the heavy satellite into orbit.
GSAT-11 is an advanced communication satellite with multi spot beam coverage over the Indian mainland and nearby Islands to bring huge advantage to the user community, compared with the existing INSAT/GSAT satellite systems.
“If things turn out as expected, GSAT 11 will most probably be the last heavy Indian satellite to be launched by a foreign space agency.” says K. Sivan, Chairman of ISRO. He further adds,” We’re working on dual concept: Increasing the carrying capacity of our heaviest rocket (the 640 tonne GSLV Mk III), while producing high throughput and lower weight communication satellites.”
The first half of 2018 will be busy with the launch of Chandrayaan II (moon mission), GSAT 6A and a navigation satellite. “We have the capability to design and build over six-tonne payload rockets. We will start designing for bigger rockets.” Sivan remarked.