Mission accomplished! ISRO successfully launches GSAT-29 communication satellite

GSAT-29 launch: Often referred to as ‘Baahubali’ of all space rockets, the GSLV-Mk III carried its communication satellite GSAT-29 into space on Wednesday.

GSAT-29 launch:  Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched GSLV-MK-III D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota today. Often referred to as ‘Baahubali’ of all space rockets, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-Mk III) carried its communication satellite GSAT-29 into space on Wednesday, November 14. The final showdown for the lift of India’s heaviest rocket bagan at Sriharikota, India’s rocket port in Andhra Pradesh on the coast of the Bay of Bengal today. As per ISRO, it is the second developmental flight of GSLV-Mk III rocket with a rated carrying capacity of four tonnes. However, cyclone Gaja could be one potential hindrance as the launch is subject to weather conditions with the deadly cyclone expected to cross the coasts of Tamil Nadu on November 15.






As per reports, the countdown of GSLV-Mk III rocket started at 2:50 pm on Tuesday and was scheduled to launch at 5:08 pm today. This is be the 67th launch from Sriharikota and the GSAT-29 is the 33rd communications satellite made by India. The rocket carried GSAT-29 weighing 3,423 kg (just over 3.4 tonnes) and will sling it into Geo Transfer Orbit (GTO) just over 16 minutes into its flight.

Post this the satellite will be lifted to the final Geo Stationary Orbit (GSO) at a height of 36,000 km from the earth. The rocket has a lifespan of reportedly 10 years.

The GSAT-29 satellite carries Ka/ Ku-band high throughput communication transponders which are designed to meet the communication requirements of users including those in remote areas.

In addition, ISRO also stated that several new technologies such as Q/V-band payload, data transmission through optical communication link will be demonstrated. This will help in realising future advanced satellites, the Indian space agency added further.

Reportedly, the satellite is also carrying a unique laser-based optical communication that ISRO is testing for the first time. It has taken 15 years to make the new rocket and each launch is expected to as much as Rs 300 crores.