INSAT-3A


INSAT-3A, a multipurpose satellite built by ISRO was launched by Ariane in April 2003. It is located at 93.5 degree East longitude.It is third satellite in INSAT-3 series after INSAT-3B & INSAT-3C. Built at a cost of $53 mn, it provides communication, weather, and search and rescue services.

Launch

INSAT 3A was launched by Ariane-5 launch vehicle of Arianespace on April 9, 2003 at 22.52 UTC from Kourou, French Guiana. It was placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, 30 minutes after the lift-off in 3-axis stabilized mode, with a perigee of 859 km and an apogee of 36,055 km and an inclination of 1.99 deg. with respect to the equator. Its co-passenger on its launch was GALAXI-XII of PanAmSat. Its Master Control Facility is located at Hassan, Karnataka.
It is 3-axis body stabilised in orbit using momentum and reaction wheels, solar flaps, magnetic torquers and eight 10 N and eight 22 N reaction control thrusters.
Its propulsion system consists of 440 N Liquid Apogee Motor MON-3 and MMH for orbit raising.

Payload

Communication payload