New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reportedly lost contact with its high power S-band communication satellite GSAT-6A, which was launched on Thursday last using Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08). According to reports, ISRO is still making attempts to re-establish contact with the satellite.
The launch had taken place at 4:56 pm from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The communication satellite was placed into the orbit roughly around 17 minutes after the rocket lifts off.
The mission life of the spacecraft planned was about 10 years. The satellite was expected to provide a platform for developing technologies such as demonstration of 6m S-Band Unfurlable Antenna, handheld ground terminals and network management techniques. These are useful in satellite-based mobile communication applications.
Apart from the communication needs, the satellite was also slated to provide services to the Indian Armed Forces.