India's telecommunication satellite "GSAT-30" was successfully launched into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) on Friday.
The satellite was launched from the Kourou launch base, French Guiana, by 'Ariane-5 VA-251', an official statement issued by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said.
'Ariane 5' is a European heavy-lift launch vehicle. 'GSAT-30' is configured on ISRO's enhanced 'I-3K' Bus structure to provide communication services from geostationary orbit in 'C' and 'Ku' bands.
The satellite derives its heritage from ISRO's earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series, said the Indian space agency's statement.
Weighing 3,357 kg, the 'GSAT-30' is to serve as replacement to 'INSAT-4A' spacecraft services with enhanced coverage, reports Xinhua.
The satellite provides Indian mainland and islands coverage in Ku-band and extended coverage in C-band covering Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries and Australia, added the statement.
The designed in-orbit operational life of GSAT-30 is more than 15 years.
