GSAT-8
| Industry | Space research and satellite technology |
|---|---|
| Founded | August 15, 1969 in India |
| Headquarters | India |
| Products | Satellites, launch vehicles, space exploration |
| Website | www |
GSAT-8, also known as INSAT-4G, is a telecommunications satellite created by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the INSAT program. It was launched on May 21, 2011, from Kourou, French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 5 vehicle provided by the European launch company Arianespace. GSAT-8 holds significance as the initial satellite to incorporate the GAGAN payload, a feature later included in GSAT-10 and the in-orbit backup satellite GSAT-15.
Launch
Prior to its launch, the satellite was transported from India to Cayenne – Rochambeau Airport in French Guiana using an Antonov An-124 transport plane. The successful insertion of GSAT-8 into orbit compensated for the earlier failures of two satellites launched on the indigenous GSLV vehicle. GSAT-8 was positioned alongside INSAT-3E at the orbital slot of 55°E.