Sriharikota, March 29: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its latest communication satellite GSAT-6A. The launch of the powerful communication satellite onboard GSLV Mk II rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 4.56 PM on Thursday.  On Wednesday, ISRO's Mission Readiness Review Committee gave clearance to the 27-hour countdown for the launch of the satellite.

The GSLV rocket weighs about 415.6 tonnes and measures 49.1 metre tall. The GSAT-6A, which weighs about 2,140kg was launched using the onboard GSLV Mk II rocket. It must be noted that the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is an expendable launch system operated by the ISRO.

With today’s launch, it will be GSLV’s 12th flight and sixth with an indigenous cryogenic engine. When the GSLV Mk-II successfully places the GSAT-6A into orbit on Thursday, it will add another feather to ISRO’s cap. The communication satellite is believed to enhance communication services for the Indian military.

Reports inform the cost of the 2-tonne satellite is approximately rupees 270 crores. ISRO has stated that the lifespan of the GSAT-6A mission will be around 10 years. As per reports by TOI, ISRO sources said they will be validating systems including high thrust Vikas engine, which may eventually be used during the launch of Chandrayaan-2.

GSAT-6A- the powerful communication satellite is similar to GSAT-6. It is a high-power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus with a mission life of about ten years. A key feature of the satellite is providing mobile communication to India through multibeam coverage facility.

Watch the launch of GSAT-6A Communication Satellite LIVE:

GSLV-F08, weighing 415.6 tonnes with a height of 49.1 metre comes with notable improvements like induction of High Thrust Vikas Engine, electromechanical actuation system in place of the electro-hydraulic actuation system.

According to a report by PTI, the GSAT-6A Communication Satellite will also provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6 m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques that could be useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 29, 2018 04:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).