GSAT-6A to give armed forces a shot in the arm

GSAT-6A to give armed forces a shot in the arm

Context

GSAT-6A, the second predominantly S-band communications satellite, is set to be launched from Sriharikota on March 29

Features of GSAT-6A

• For armed forces: It is designated for the use of the Armed Forces and will not add any transponder capacity for general uses
• Specialised antenna: A special feature of the GSAT-6A is its 6-metre-wide umbrella-like antenna, which will be unfurled in once it is in space. The antenna is thrice as broad as the antennas generally used in ISRO satellites. It will enable mobile communication from anywhere via hand-held ground terminals. Regular communication satellites with smaller antenna require much larger ground stations
• The unfurl-able antenna, hand-held ground terminals, and network management techniques could be useful in future satellite-based mobile communication applications
• GSAT-6A will also have a smaller 0.8-metre antenna for communication in the C band. GSAT-6A is slated to be launched at 4.56 p.m. on a GSLV-F08 rocket

What is the lifespan of the satellite?
Around 10 years