‘The Big Bird’, India’s “Most Powerful” Satellite Launched Successfully

New Delhi: The ISRO’s GSAT-11 satellite also called the “Big Bird ” was successfully launched into space today from the French space port of Kourou in South America.  Launched at 2.07 am (IST), the satellite will help provide internet to remote places where cable-based internet cannot reach. It weighs around 5,854 kg and is the heaviest Indian-made equipment that the agency put into its orbit.

After the first bid failed in May earlier this year, this was ISRO’s second attempt.  The satellite is healthy after the launch, according to ISRO.

“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,” Dr K Sivan, ISRO chief said.

Costing around Rs. 600 crore, the “Big Bird” has a life span of 15 years. The ariane-5 heavyweight rocket was hired from Arianespace by ISRO.

The satellite internet, which the GSAT-11 will help to provide, will aid in giving internet connectivity in flights in India. The GSAT-11 is equivalent to the combined power of almost all communications satellites sent into orbit by India.

The French Ariane-5 rocket has been hired by India, as it can 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.

The ISRO Chief added that 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. (PTI)