INSAT-2D

INSAT-2D was an Indian communications satellite. Launched on 4 June 1997, and similar to INSAT-2C, INSAT-2D went out of order on October 4, 1997, because of a power inconsistency problem and was later replaced by INSAT-2DT, an in-orbit satellite which was previously known as ARABSAT-1C. The main aim of the satellite was improved communication.^[1][2] In the INSAT-2 (Indian National Satellite System) series, INSAT-2D was the fourth consecutive communication satellite. The satellite was launched using an Ariane 4 rocket from French Guiana.^[2]

INSAT-2D

Mission type	Multipurpose communication
Operator	INSAT
COSPAR ID	1997-027B
SATCAT no.	24820
Mission duration	7 Years
Spacecraft properties
Manufacturer	ISRO
Launch mass	2,079 kg (4,583 lb)
Dry mass	995 kg (2,194 lb)
Power	1650 watts
Start of mission
Launch date	4 June 1997
Rocket	Ariane-4
Launch site	French Guiana
End of mission
Deactivated	4 Oct, 1997
Orbital parameters
Reference system	Geocentric
Regime	Geostationary
Longitude	93.5 Degree East

The satellite was placed into geostationary orbit at an inclination of 93.5 degrees east.^[3] INSAT-2D's lift-off mass was 2,079 kg (4,583 lb) with propellants of which 995 kg (2,194 lb) were the dry weight.^[1] The satellite was expected to have a nominal lifespan of around 7–9 years.^[4][3] The onboard power of the satellite was estimated to be 1,650 watts.^[1]

Insat-2D, imaged at Northolt Branch Observatories, satellite can be seen as a bright spot passing by fast. BepiColombo satellite of JAXA can also be seen as a dot moving slowly across the screen.

Its communication payload consisted of 16C-band transponders (extended C-band, for fixed-satellite service), two high-power C-band transponders (for broadcasting-satellite service, BSS), one S-band transponder (for BSS), one C/S-band mobile communication transponder, and three K_u-band transponders.^[1][2][3][4]