ISRO Launches GSAT-29 Satellite: 100 Gbps Internet, 1st Human Spaceflight No More A Fantasy

In a proud accomplishment for entire India, Indian Space Research Organization has successfully launched their newest communication satellite: GSAT-29 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

This is ISRO’s 5th successful launch this year, and indeed special one: Weighing 3,423 kgs, GSAT-29 is India’s heaviest satellite to launch from an India-made launch vehicle.

PM Modi congratulated ISRO, as tweeted:

My heartiest congratulations to our scientists on the successful launch of GSLV MK III-D2 carrying GSAT-29 satellite. The double success sets a new record of putting the heaviest satellite in orbit by an Indian launch vehicle. @isro

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2018

The successful satellite launch of GSAT-29 signifies several important developments for India’s space programs and telecommunications industry.

Now, 100 Gbps Internet is no more a fantasy!

100 Gbps Internet Now Becomes Realistic

The satellite GSAT-29 carries high throughput communication transponders in the Ka and Ku bands, which will help to introduce faster broadband Internet in remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir, North-East, Uttrakhand and other states.

In the month of September this year, ISRO Chairman K Sivan had claimed that 100 Gbps Internet speed will be soon experienced in India, as they are planning to launch several new satellites which will boost communications bandwidth.

While GSAT-19 was launched last year, GSAT-29 has been now placed in the orbit as well.

Next year, GSAT-11 and GSAT-20 will be launched, after which India will have the capability to deliver 100 Gbps Internet speed. 

We Are Closer Now: India’s 1st Human Spaceflight

Besides the Internet speed of 100 Gbps, the launch of GSAT-29 is also crucial for India’s first human spaceflight, and Chandrayaan-2 mission.

The launch of GSAT-29 was powered by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark III, and this was it’s 2nd development flight.

Now, the capabilities and powers of GSLV Mark III have been properly tested, and this means, that for India’s 1st human spaceflight, the same launch vehicle shall be used.

India’s first spaceflight programme has been planned for 2022; while Chandrayaan-2 mission will happen next year.

ISRO chairman K Sivan said, “This was a very important mission regarding GSLV Mark III programme. The second successive successful mission of the launcher clearly shows the launcher has completed the development flight and has entered majestically into the operational stage, along with the PSLV,”, adding, “It is also an important milestone of the Indian space programme towards achieving self-reliance in launching heavier satellites,”

The launch of GSAT-19 last year was GSLV Mark III’s 1st development flight.

This heavy-duty launch vehicle is powered by two S200 solid motors, one L100 liquid core stage, and the third C25 liquid cryogenic stage, and can easily carry 10-tonne payload to low-earth orbit.

ISRO has once again proved that nothing can stop India now.