India successfully Launches Communication Satellite GSAT-31

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. Also Read: Vij says screening of 'Padmavat' with high security to theatres 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. Also Read: Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb says internet existed during Mahabharata era 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."

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 pic.twitter.com/cdgfEcerfk — Stéphane Israël (@arianespaceceo) February 5, 2019

Arianespace CEO Stephane Israel said, "GSAT-31 was the 23rd ISRO satellite orbited by Arianespace and Ariane-series launchers, tracing the relationship back to India’s APPLE small experimental communications spacecraft, lofted in 1981 by an Ariane 1 version. Arianespace is honoured ISRO has entrusted Ariane 5 for two launches back-to-back, with the last Ariane 5 of 2018 launching GSAT-11, and today the first one of the year 2019, which orbited GSAT-31!" Also Read: Rajasthan govt to provide free mobile phones to women of BPL families “GSAT-31 has a unique configuration of providing flexible frequency segments and flexible coverage.  The satellite will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands” ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan said. - PTC NEWS