India Successfully Launches GAGAN SBAS satellite
May 21, 2011
The Indian Space Research Organisation announced that the GSAT-8 satellite, carrying a GAGAN SBAS payload, was successfully launched at 02:08 hrs IST today (May 21, 2011) by the Ariane-V launch vehicle of Arianespace from Kourou, French Guiana. Ariane V placed GSAT-8 into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) of 35,861 km apogee and 258 km perigee, with an orbital inclination of 2.503 degrees with respect to the equator.
According to the announcement, ISRO's Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka acquired the signals from GSAT-8 satellite immediately after the injection. Initial checks on the satellite have indicated normal health of the satellite. The satellite was captured in three-axis stabilisation mode. Preparations are underway for the firing of 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) during the third orbit of the satellite on May 22 at 03:58 hrs IST as a first step towards taking the satellite to its geostationary orbital home.
The satellite will be stationed at 55 degrees east longitude.
RSS
Become a Fan
Join our Network
Follow Us
Please send any technical comments or questions to our webmaster.