On September 28, 2021, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) entrusted Arianespace with the launch of its GSAT-24 telecommunications satellite. GSAT-24 is scheduled for launch in the 1st quarter of 2022, from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on one of the seven Ariane 5 missions remaining to be performed with the heavy-lift launcher.
This Ku-band satellite is a 4-ton class communications satellite built by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and will be placed into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). Once orbited, GSAT-24 will provide high-quality television, telecommunications and broadcasting services. GSAT-24 satellite is the "1st Demand Driven communication satellite mission" undertaken by NSIL.
"We are delighted that NSIL, for the first time since its creation in March 2019, has entrusted Ariane 5 with a new GTO satellite to deliver," declared Stephane Israel, CEO of Arianespace.
"This contract is a new milestone in the long-time partnership linking Arianespace to India and its space agency ISRO that began in 1981 with our first joint success: APPLE satellite, launched on an Ariane 1. We proudly performed 24 launches for India, continuously and successfully supporting its institutions, businesses and population's needs. We are thrilled to see this upcoming launch consolidate our relationship, which is a two-way street, with Indian launchers having orbited European satellites."
NSIL Version
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), incorporated during March 2019, is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), under Department of Space (DOS) and is the commercial arm of ISRO. New Delhi, India (SPX) – As part of "Space Reforms" announced by Government of India during June 2020, NSIL got mandated to undertake operational satellite missions on a "Demand Driven" model, wherein NSIL has the responsibility to build, launch, own and operate the satellite and provide services to its committed customer.
As part of this initiative, NSIL is now undertaking its "1 st Demand Driven communication satellite mission" named GSAT-24 which is an 4 tonne class Ku- band satellite. NSIL is getting this satellite built by ISRO and will be launching it using Ariane-5 launcher operated by M/s Arianespace.
The entire satellite capacity on-board GSAT-24 will be leased to its committed customer M/s Tata Sky for meeting their DTH application needs.
NSIL has entered into necessary agreement with M/s Tata Sky for utilising the satellite capacity on-board GSAT-24 and with M/s Arianespace for seeking the launch services.
GSAT-24 satellite will be owned and operated by NSIL on a commercial basis. GSAT-24 satellite mission will be fully funded by NSIL. NSIL is envisaging the launch of GSAT-24 satellite during 1st quarter of 2022.
