ISRO GSAT-31 Launch Live: What the Communication Satellite Does

The Indian Space Research Organisation is all set to launch its next mission from the Spaceport in Arianespace, Kourou, French Guiana by using Ariane 5 launch vehicle, and viewers can also watch the ISRO GSAT-31 launch live online. GSAT-31 is India’s 40th communication satellite and the liftoff is scheduled at 2:31AM IST on 6 February.

What the ISRO GSAT-31 Satellite Does

The GSAT-31 communication satellite will join the fleet of 18 already operational communication satellites and will further boost the country’s inorbit communication assets, said P Kunhikrishnan, Director, URSC/ISRO in a curtain raiser video released by ISRO.

Weighing about 2535 kg, GSAT-31 will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. The satellite derives its heritage from ISRO’s earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series. The satellite provides Indian mainland and island coverage.

Dr K Sivan, Chairman of ISRO said that the GSAT-31 satellite provides communication services in Indian mainland and island areas such as:

1. Connectivity to very small aperture terminals for ATM, stock exchange and e-governance applications.
2. Telecommunication applications for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging applications
3. 3 emergency communications for disaster management support

My Sivan added that the satellite can also be placed at an alternate orbital slot and is capable of providing DTH applications. The satellite is capable of providing seamless communication for 15 years. GSAT-31 will also be used for supporting VSAT networks, television uplinks, digital satellite news gathering, cellular backhaul connectivity and several other applications, says the space agency on its website.

Where to Watch ISRO GSAT-31 Launch Live

Although ISRO is yet to announce if it is streaming this particular launch, the Indian Space Research Organisation usually streams all its launches live on its official website. Viewers can catch the watch ISRO GSAT-31 launch live online on the official ISRO website. Also, Doordarshan will most likely relay the launch live from the Spaceport in Arianespace, Kourou, French Guiana, on its YouTube Channel. Users can also apparently see the livestreaming of the launch here.