India’s Space Research Organization or ISRO’s GSAT-11 satellite, also known as the ‘Big Bird,’ was successfully launched into space from the French space port of Kourou, French Guiana. It will provide satellite-based internet to remote places where cable-based internet cannot reach, as also facilitate internet connectivity in flights within India.
“GSAT-11 is the next generation high throughput communication satellite that will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country. It will also provide a platform to demonstrate new generation applications,” Dr. K. Sivan, ISRO chief said.
At over 12,900 pounds, this geosynchronous sateliite is the heaviest Indian-made equipment that the agency has put into its orbit. The Ariane-5 heavyweight rocket was hired from France’s Arianespace by ISRO. The satellite is expected to have a life span of fifteen years. The GSAT-11 is equivalent to the combined power of almost all communications satellites sent into orbit by India. A communications specialist said that the it is like a constellation of 30 classical orbiting satellites.
