GSAT-31

GSAT-31 is a high-throughput telecommunication satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).^[2]

GSAT-31

GSAT-31 in deployed configuration
Mission type	Communication
Operator	ISRO
COSPAR ID	2019-007B
SATCAT no.	44035
Mission duration	Planned: 15 years Elapsed: 6 years, 6 months, 25 days
Spacecraft properties
Bus	I-2K
Manufacturer	ISRO Satellite Centre Space Applications Centre
Launch mass	2,536 kg (5,591 lb)
Power	solar arrays, batteries
Start of mission
Launch date	6 February 2019
Rocket	Ariance 5 VCA
Launch site	Kourou ELA-3
Contractor	Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Geostationary
Slot	82.95°E[1] 48°E (Feb to Sept 2019)
Transponders
Band	Ku
GSAT ← GSAT-7A GSAT-30 →

Mission

The satellite's main communication payload is Ku band and acts as a replacement of the aging INSAT-4CR.^[2] The satellite provides advanced telecommunication to the Indian subcontinent. It is used for VSAT networks, television uplinks, digital signage new gathering, DTH services and other communication systems. This is the 40th communication satellite launched by ISRO and the 22nd launch of ISRO satellite by Arianespace.^[3][4][5]

Launch

The satellite was launched through the 103rd flight of Ariane 5 ECA on 5 February 2019 at 21:01 UTC, the vehicle also deployed Hellas-Sat-4/SaudiGeoSat-1.^[6]

The launch of the GSAT-30 and GSAT-31 by Arianespace is expected to cost Rs 950 crore.^[7]

Relocation

In July 2019, GSAT-31 maneuvered to lower its altitude and drifted eastward to reach new slot at 82.95°E on 31 August 2019.