The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone on July 15, 2011, with the successful launch of the GSAT-12 communication satellite aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C17). This mission marked the 18th consecutive success for the PSLV series, underscoring its reliability and versatility in deploying satellites into various orbits.

Overview of the GSAT-12 Satellite

GSAT-12 was designed to enhance India's communication infrastructure by providing services such as tele-education, tele-medicine, disaster management support, and satellite internet access. The satellite was equipped with 12 Extended C-band transponders, facilitating a range of communication applications across the country. With a launch mass of approximately 1,412 kilograms, GSAT-12 was intended to replace the aging INSAT-3B satellite, thereby ensuring continuity and improvement in communication services. The satellite was expected to have a mission life of eight years. ([en.wikipedia.org](

Details of the PSLV-C17 Launch

The PSLV-C17, a variant of ISRO's workhorse launch vehicle, was configured in its XL version for this mission. This configuration included six extended solid strap-on motors, each carrying 12 tonnes of solid propellant, enhancing the vehicle's payload capacity and performance. The launch took place from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota, India. The PSLV-C17 stood 44.5 meters tall and had a lift-off weight of 320 tonnes. ([isro.gov.in](

The mission commenced with a 53-hour countdown, culminating in a liftoff at 16:48 IST. The PSLV-C17 successfully injected GSAT-12 into a sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (sub-GTO) with a perigee of 284 kilometers and an apogee of 21,020 kilometers, achieving an orbital inclination of 17.9 degrees. This precise injection was crucial for the satellite's subsequent maneuvers to reach its designated geostationary orbit. ([isro.gov.in](

Mission Execution and Satellite Deployment

Following the initial launch phase, the GSAT-12 satellite utilized its Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) to perform a series of burns, gradually raising both its perigee and apogee. This process was essential for circularizing the orbit and positioning the satellite at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers, aligning it with the geostationary orbit. The successful deployment of GSAT-12 ensured the continuity of critical communication services across India. ([isro.gov.in](

Significance and Impact

The successful launch and deployment of GSAT-12 were pivotal for India's communication capabilities. By replacing the older INSAT-3B satellite, GSAT-12 provided enhanced services in tele-education, tele-medicine, disaster management, and satellite internet access. These advancements contributed to bridging the digital divide and improving access to essential services in remote and underserved regions of the country. ([en.wikipedia.org](

Furthermore, the PSLV-C17 mission demonstrated ISRO's growing expertise in satellite deployment, reinforcing the PSLV series as a reliable and cost-effective solution for launching satellites into various orbits. The mission's success also highlighted the effectiveness of ISRO's indigenous technologies, including the advanced mission computers and telemetry systems that ensured precise satellite injection and deployment. ([isro.gov.in](

Conclusion

The launch of GSAT-12 aboard the PSLV-C17 was a testament to ISRO's commitment to advancing India's space capabilities and enhancing its communication infrastructure. The mission's success not only ensured the continuity of vital communication services but also showcased the technical prowess and reliability of ISRO's launch vehicles and satellite technologies. This achievement laid the groundwork for future missions and underscored India's growing presence in the global space community.

Sources

  • ISRO — PSLV-C17/GSAT-12 Mission Details —
  • ISRO — PSLV-C17 Successfully Launches GSAT-12 Satellite —
  • Wikipedia — GSAT-12 —
  • Times of India — GSAT-12 communication satellite launched successfully by PSLV —
  • Business Standard — India successfully launches GSAT-12 —