India successfully launches com satellite GSAT-31

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched from a space port in French Guiana island early today.

It is being viewed as a boost to the country's direct-to-home television services, ATM connectivity to VSATs, stock exchange, digital satellite news gathering and e-governance, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

The launch vessel Ariane 5 VA-247 lifted off from Kourou Launch Base, French Guiana at 2:31 am (Indian Time) carrying GSAT-31 and Saudi Geostationary Satellite 1/Hellas Sat 4 satellites, India's Department of Space said in a statement.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Chairman K Sivan said: "The GSAT-31 satellite, weighing 2,536kg, will augment the Ku-band transponder capacity and provide Direct-To-Home television services, connectivity to VSATs for ATM, stock-exchange, digital satellite news gathering (DSNG) and e-governance applications."

The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications, he added.

"The 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" Sivan said.

After separation from Ariane-5 upper stage, the two solar arrays of GSAT-31 were automatically deployed in quick succession and ISRO's Master Control Facility at Hassan in Karnataka state took over the command and control of the satellite and found its health parameters normal.

In the days ahead, scientists will undertake phase-wise orbit-raising manoeuvres to place the satellite in Geostationary Orbit (36,000 km above the equator) using its on-board propulsion system, the Department of Space said.

The satellite will be operational after the successful completion of all in-orbit tests.