GSAT-8

GSAT-8 or INSAT-4G is communication satellite. It was constructed by the Indian Space Research Organisation, as part of INSAT system. GSAT-8 was launched on May 21, 2011, from Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket, an Ariane 5 was the carrier, marketed by the European Arianespace. First satellite to carry GAGAN payload followed up by GSAT-10 and in-orbit spare GSAT-15.^[2][3]

GSAT-8

GSAT-8
Mission type	Communication
Operator	INSAT
COSPAR ID	2011-022A
SATCAT no.	37605
Mission duration	Planned: 12 years Elapsed: 13 years, 11 months, 4 days
Spacecraft properties
Bus	I-3K
Manufacturer	ISRO
Launch mass	3,093 kilograms (6,819 lb)[1]
Dry mass	1,426 kilograms (3,144 lb)[1]
Power	6,242 watts[1]
Start of mission
Launch date	20 May 2011, 20:38 (2011-05-20UTC20:38Z) UTC
Rocket	Ariane 5ECA VA202
Launch site	Kourou ELA-3
Contractor	Arianespace
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Geostationary
Longitude	55° East
Transponders
Band	24 Ku band and 2 in L1 & L5 bands (GAGAN)
GSAT ← GSAT-5P GSAT-12 →

Launch

Prior to launch, the spacecraft was transported from India to Cayenne – Rochambeau Airport in French Guiana by an Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft. The success of the launch is said to have made up for the previous loss of two satellites on the indigenous GSLV rocket.^[4][5] GSAT-8 was co-located with INSAT-3E at 55°E.