ISRO set to launch GSAT-31: Here's what makes India's 40th communication satellite special

The Indian Space Research Organisation will on Wednesday launch its 40th communication satellite GSAT-31. The launch is scheduled onboard Ariane-5 launch vehicle (VA 247) from French Guiana. With a mission life of 15 years, the satellite will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. It will also augment the Ku-band transponder capacity in Geostationary Orbit. (Photo: ISRO) 

GSAT-31 is configured on ISRO's enhanced I-2K Bus, utilising the maximum bus capabilities of this type. Weighing about 2535 kg, the satellite derives its heritage from ISRO's earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series. It provides Indian mainland and island coverage. Providing wide beam coverage using a wide band transponder, it will be able to facilitate communication over large oceanic region comprising large part of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.  (Photo: ISRO)

GSAT-31 will be uselful in supporting VSAT networks, television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG), DTH-television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and many such applications. 

The two Ku-band beacon downlink signals are transmitted by the website for ground tracking purpose. 

ISRO tweeted: "All set for the launch of #GSAT31 onboard #Ariane5 (#VA247) on Feb 6 from the spaceport in French Guiana. The launch is scheduled at 02:31 am (IST)."