On November 14, 2018 Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched a communication satellite GSAT-29 on its rocket GSLV-Mk-III D2 from Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota.
Here’s everything you need to know about GSAT-29 and GSLV MK-III:
GSAT-29
GSAT-29 is the 33rd communication satellite built by ISRO which will be placed in a geostationary orbit above earth. GSAT-29 is a multi-beam, multi-band communication satellite.GSAT-29 is also India’s heaviest communication satellites until now.
Its Ku-band and Ka-band payloads are configured to cater to the communication requirements of users including those from remote areas especially from Jammu & Kashmir and North-Eastern regions of India. In addition it carries Q/V-Band communication payload to demonstrate future high throughput satellite technologies.
GSAT-29 is also carrying a Geo High Resolution camera for high resolution Geo-imaging.
GSLV Mk-III Rocket
This was the second developmental flight of the ISRO’s GSLV-Mk-III rocket. It is a three stage heavy lift launch vehicle measuring 43.94 m and weighing 640 tonnes. The first stage has two boosters with solid propellant, the second is the core with liquid propellant, and the cryogenic engine forms the final stage.
GSLV Mk-III is designed to carry a payload of up to 4 tonnes into Geo-stationary orbits and up to 10 tonnes into Low Earth Orbit. It’s payload capacity is double that of its predecessor GSLV Mk-II.
This flight of GSLV Mk-III marks an important milestone in Indian space programme towards achieving self-reliance in launching heavier satellites and signifies completion of experimental stage of GSLV Mk-III.
Questions on such topics are expected in Defence Exams, especially CPAF-AC exam.
You can download a condensed fact sheet with expected questions on this topic for both GSAT-29 and GSLV Mk-III from here.