GSAT-15GSAT-15, India’s latest Communication Satellite is a high power satellite being inducted into the INSAT/GSAT system. Weighing 3164 kg at lift-off, GSAT-15 carries a total of 24 communication transponders in Ku-band as well as a GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) payload operating in L1 and L5 bands. GSAT-15 is the third satellite to carry GAGAN payload after GSAT-8 and GSAT-10, which are already providing navigation services from orbit. GSAT-15, carries a Ku-band beacon as well to help in accurately pointing ground antennas towards the satellite.GSAT-15 is scheduled to be launched by Ariane-5 VA-227 launch vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana on early morning of November 11, 2015
Ariane 5 moves to the launch zone for Arianespace’s November 10 missionNovember 9, 2015 – Ariane Flight VA227Arianespace has delivered another Ariane 5 to the launch zone at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, positioning this workhorse vehicle for liftoff tomorrow with a pair of telecommunications satellites: Arabsat-6B (BADR-7) and GSAT-15.The launcher rolled out today from the Spaceport’s Final Assembly Building for Ariane 5 to the ELA-3 launch zone, where it is scheduled for liftoff during a 43-minute window that opens November 10 at 6:34 p.m. local time in French Guiana.For this 83rd overall flight of an Ariane 5, the payload lift performance is estimated at 9,810 kg. – a total that includes the two relay platforms, plus the launcher’s dual-passenger dispenser system and satellite integration hardware.Arabsat-6B will be lofted for Airbus Defence and Space and Thales Alenia Space as part of a turnkey contract with Saudi Arabia-based Arabsat. To be renamed BADR-7 once in orbit, this spacecraft will provide broadcast, broadband and telecommunications services over the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia.GSAT-15 – which was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – is designed to deliver telecommunications services, as well as dedicated navigation-aid and emergency services, for India.