What is a Satellite? Explain the different types of Satellites in the Space programme. Add a note on GSAT-5.

Question

Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

A satellite is an artificial object placed in orbit to relay communication, observe the Earth or navigate, and India's fleet has geostationary communication satellites, small LEO satellites, Cartosat and RISAT earth observation satellites and NavIC navigation satellites. GSAT-5P, a C-band satellite, was lost when GSLV-F06 failed on 25 December 2010.

**Introduction**

Satellites are essential for communication, navigation, weather forecasting, and security, with ISRO’s launches from ==Sriharikota== advancing India’s space programme and strategic autonomy. They bridge digital divides and support national development and defence.

**Satellite Types and Institutional Framework**

SKETCH: tree | Types of Satellites in India’s Space Programme
- Communication Satellites
  - Geostationary Satellites (GEOSATs)
  - Small Satellites (SmSats)
- Earth Observation Satellites
  - Cartosat Series
  - RISAT Series
- Navigation Satellites
  - IRNSS/NavIC

1. **Geostationary and Small Satellites**: GEOSATs orbit at 36,000 km for continuous coverage but have high latency; SmSats (<500 kg) in Low Earth Orbit⟦1⟧ offer low latency, cost-effective communication, and rapid deployment, supported by ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).

2. **Earth Observation and Navigation**: Cartosat and RISAT series provide remote sensing and Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging for resource management and surveillance; IRNSS/NavIC offers precise regional navigation services, enhancing strategic and civilian applications.

**Implementation Challenges and Outcomes**

3. **Launch Capacity and Strategic Use**: India launches 5-7 satellites yearly using PSLV and GSLV; CMS-03⟦2⟧, the heaviest Indian satellite, enhances naval communication, reflecting realist power projection and growing indigenous launch capabilities.

4. **Commercial and Defence Applications**: GSAT satellites support telecommunication and broadband, bridging digital divides; military satellites like GSAT-7 and RISAT improve C4ISR capabilities; SmSats enable Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communication and network resilience.

**GSAT-5: Strategic Communication Satellite**

GSAT-5P, a C-band and extended C-band communication satellite meant to replace ageing INSAT capacity for TV and telecom, was lost when GSLV-F06 broke up after lift-off from ==Sriharikota== in December 2010. The loss widened India’s transponder shortage and spurred efforts to improve GSLV reliability.

**Way Forward**

5. **Indigenous Capacity and Digital Inclusion**: Expand high-throughput satellites like GSAT-11 and GSAT-29 to reduce leased bandwidth, especially in ==Andhra Pradesh==; enhance SmSat constellations for real-time data, improved coverage, and security.

**Conclusion**

India’s satellite programme balances large and small satellites to meet diverse needs, strengthening strategic autonomy, digital inclusion, and technological self-reliance.

What is a Satellite? Explain the different types of Satellites in the Space programme. Add a note on GSAT-5.

Model answer

Practise this question

Indian Space Programme, ISRO, Satellites and DRDO23 questions

Ghissu