GSAT-6A

Launch data:

Spacecraft data:

Description:

• GSAT-6A is a communications geostationary satellite operated by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It features a 6-metre (20 ft) unfurlable S-band antenna. While GSAT-6A will complement GSAT-6, ISRO sources said the satellite would also provide services to the Indian Armed Forces.

Mission details:

• On Mar 29, 2018 ISRO launched the GSAT-6A military communications satellite with its Mk II Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle, flight GSLV-08 with cryognenic upper stage CUS-09. After a successful orbit insertion to a 152 x 36509 km x 20.9 deg geotransfer orbit, GSAT-6A made its first apogee burn at 0552 UTC Mar 30, reaching 5028 x 36440 km x 12.0 deg.
• However after a second, 53-min duration, apogee burn on Mar 31, ISRO lost contact with it. On Apr 2, 2018 US tracking found it in a 25979 x 36368 km x 3.3 deg orbit, suggesting that the burn completed successfully, but as of this writing contact has not been regained.

External links:

• Satellite tracking (n2ya.com): Real time satellite tracking