GSAT-24 preparing to commence in-orbit Testing (IoT) operations

Communication satellite GSAT-24 is being prepared to commence its in-orbit testing (IoT) operations as per NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The PSU in its mission update said that post the successful completion of IoT by GSAT-24, the satellite will start its commercial service operations for DTH service provider Tata Play.

NSIL successfully launched the GSAT-24 communication satellite onboard Arianespace’s Ariane 5 from French Guiana on 22 June 2022. The satellite was successfully placed by the launch vehicle in Geo-synchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) post which the satellite orbit was raised using its onboard propulsion system.

GSAT-24 satellite was successfully placed into its final circular Geo Stationary Orbit (GSO) post the successful completion of Four Apogee Motor Burn manoeuvres. The North and South solar panels of the satellite including the communication antenna have been successfully deployed with the satellite in 3-axis stabilized mode.

The entire satellite capacity has been leased to Tata Play for a period of 15 years. The company began its preparations earlier this year by upgrading active customers on old unsupported hardware and scheduling free technician visits for eligible customers to replace their current LNBF with a new one which can support the GSAT-24 satellite.