- The nation’s latest communication satellite,GSAT-30, was launched into space from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou at 2.35 a.m. IST.
- The 3,357-kg satellite will replace INSAT-4A, which was launched in 2005 and marks the first mission of the year for Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- The high-power satellite is equipped with12 normal C band and 12 Ku band transponders,
- ISRO opted for a foreign launch as the GSAT-30 is much heavier than the 2,000-kg lifting capacity of its geostationary launch vehicle GSLV-MkII.
- While the newer and more powerful GSLV-MkIII can lift up to 4,000kg, the space agency plans to save the two or three upcoming MkIIIs for its first human space flight Gaganyaan of 2022 and two preceding crew-less trials.
- The first Indian crew-less test flight is planned for later the year.
