Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to start a new mission today. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III D2 (GSLV MK3 D2) carrying the GSAT-29 communication satellite is expected to take place today subject to weather conditions as the threat of Cyclone Gaja looms large in Tamil Nadu. The expected launch time of GSAT-29 is 14 November 2018 at 5:08 PM IST, and viewers who are interested to watch GSAT-29 satellite launch live online as well.
ISRO says that GSLV MK3 D2 is very different in architecture from its predecessors and has double the payload carrying capacity. It is also the heaviest launch vehicle in India. This mission is quite important as after the successful launch of GSLV MK3 D2, the launch vehicle will be declared operational and will join other operational vehicles such as PSLV and GSLV.
The payload for GSLV MK3 D2 is a very advanced high throughput satellite GSAT-29, which is a multiband and multibeam communication satellite. GSAT-29 payloads are configured to cater to the communication requirements of users from Jammu and Kashmir as well as North Eastern states, apart from this, the satellite will also be demonstrating several new and critical technologies said ISRO in the mission’s curtain raising video.
The first successful flight of GSLV MK 3 took place in 2013 when it carried a crew module as its payload. The first developmental flight of GSLV MK 3 had successfully launched India’s high throughput communication satellite GSAT-19 on 5 June 2017.
Weighing 3423 KG GSAT-29 is expected to be launched into the geosynchronous transfer orbit. GSAT-29 is being pegged as the forerunner of future advanced communication satellites of INSAT and GSAT series. GSAT 29 and its payloads have been designed to mainly focus on providing high throughput connectivity to the large population of the country especially to those in the hilly regions and geographically inaccessible areas of North East, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Where to Watch GSAT-29 Satellite Launch Live Online
Users who take pride in ISRO's accomplishments and wish to see the GSLV MK3 D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite launch live online need to only log onto ISRO.Gov.in at 4:45 PM IST on 14 November 2018. Viewers can also watch the mission launch live on DD National and its live YouTube link.