India successfully Launches Communication Satellite GSAT-31
India successfully launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-31 on Wednesday from the Spaceport in French Guiana. It was launched at 2:31 am IST on Wednesday. The Ariane-5 vehicle injected GSAT-31 into the orbit in a flawless flight lasting about 42 minutes. GSAT-31 weighs about 2,535 kg. It will continue to provide operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites.
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According to the space agency ISRO, GSAT-31 is derived from INSAT/ GSAT satellite series. It will provide communication services to India. It will provide DTH television services, connectivity to VSATs for ATM, stock exchange, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) and other e-governance applications.
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Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel tweeted: "2019 is off to a roaring start for #Arianespace! Flight #VA247, carrying Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 and GSAT-31, is a confirmed success that underscores our leadership position in the geostationary launch market. @KACST #HellasSat @ISRO @LockheedMartin."