The Indian Space Research Organisation or ISRO is all set to launch the GSAT-11 satellite, or 'The Big Bird' as it is called. Weighing 5854 kg, it is the heaviest Indian-made equipment that the agency will attempt to put into its orbit on Wednesday. It will be launched from French space port of Kourou in South America in a second attempt after ISRO's first failed bid in May earlier this year. Dr K Sivan, ISRO chief said, “GSAT-11 is the next generation high throughput communication satellite that will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country. It will also provide a platform to demonstrate new generation applications”.
The Big Bird, which came at a cost of Rs 600 Crore, will be launched into space using the Ariane-5 heavyweight rocket hired from Arianespace by ISRO. The satellite is expected to have a life span of 15 years. It will help provide internet connectivity in flights. The GSAT-11 is equivalent to the combined power of almost all communications satellites sent into orbit by India. India hired the French Ariane-5 rocket as it can carry heavy payload into orbit. India's own Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III or GSLV Mk III can haul satellites that weighs upto 4 tons.
Along with its three siblings, GSAT-19, GSAT-29 and GSAT-20, the satellite will be a “game changer for providing internet access and data communications for India and will aid the Digital India program,” Dr Sivan added.
