GSAT-14: India's Advanced Communications Satellite and a Cryogenic Milestone

Launched successfully on January 5, 2014, GSAT-14 is a pivotal Indian geostationary communications satellite, strategically designed and built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This advanced spacecraft was positioned to serve vital telecommunication needs across India, providing essential services such as direct-to-home (DTH) television broadcasting, VSAT services for business communication, and various other digital communication applications. With an intended mission life of 12 years, GSAT-14 was engineered to ensure long-term, reliable communication infrastructure.

Successor to GSAT-3 (EDUSAT)

GSAT-14 was specifically designed to replace and enhance the capabilities of its predecessor, GSAT-3, also widely known as EDUSAT. Launched in September 2004, GSAT-3 was India's first dedicated educational satellite, playing a crucial role in distance education and delivering educational content to schools and universities nationwide through its communication payload. By 2014, as GSAT-3 approached the end of its operational life, GSAT-14 stepped in to ensure continuity and expansion of these vital communication and educational services, offering upgraded transponder capacity and improved technological features.

A Landmark Launch with Indigenous Cryogenic Power

The deployment of GSAT-14 represented a monumental achievement for ISRO, as it marked the triumphant and first successful operational flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.II (GSLV Mk.II) equipped with an indigenously developed cryogenic engine. This specific mission, designated GSLV-D5, was critical for India's aspirations in achieving self-reliance in advanced rocket propulsion technology. The cryogenic engine, known as the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) or CE-7.5, generates 7.5 tonnes of thrust and powers the GSLV Mk.II's third stage. Previous attempts to fly the GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic upper stage in 2010 (GSLV-D3 and GSLV-F06 missions) had unfortunately faced technical issues. The successful operation of the CE-7.5 engine on GSLV-D5 for GSAT-14's launch solidified India's position among a select group of nations capable of developing and operating this complex and highly efficient propulsion technology, essential for launching heavier satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) with greater payload capacity.

Key Specifications of GSAT-14

• Launch Date: January 5, 2014
• Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk.II (GSLV-D5 mission)
• Launch Site: Second Launch Pad (SLP), Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, India
• Mass: 1982 kg at lift-off
• Orbital Position: 74° East longitude in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO)
• Payload: 6 Ku-band transponders and 6 extended C-band transponders
• Mission Life: 12 years

Significance of GSAT-14 and its Launch

The successful launch of GSAT-14 not only provided enhanced communication services but also signified a major leap forward in India's space program. It demonstrated ISRO's robust capabilities in designing, building, and launching complex communication satellites and, more importantly, confirmed the reliability of the indigenous cryogenic engine. This achievement significantly bolstered India's self-reliance in space technology and its ability to undertake more ambitious space missions in the future, reducing dependence on foreign launch services for its heavier geostationary satellites.

Frequently Asked Questions about GSAT-14

What is GSAT-14?

GSAT-14 is an Indian communications satellite launched by ISRO in January 2014, designed to provide various telecommunication services, including DTH television, VSAT, and digital communication applications across India.

When was GSAT-14 launched?

GSAT-14 was launched on January 5, 2014, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

What was the purpose of GSAT-14?

Its primary purpose was to enhance and continue India's telecommunication services and to replace the aging GSAT-3 (EDUSAT) satellite, offering increased capacity and improved technological features.

Which rocket launched GSAT-14?

GSAT-14 was launched by India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk.II (GSLV Mk.II), specifically the GSLV-D5 mission.

Why was the GSAT-14 launch particularly significant?

The GSAT-14 launch was highly significant because it marked the first successful flight of the GSLV Mk.II with an indigenously developed cryogenic engine (CE-7.5) on its third stage, showcasing India's self-reliance in this critical space technology after previous attempts.

What services did GSAT-14 provide?

GSAT-14 provided a range of communication services, including direct-to-home (DTH) television, VSAT services for businesses, and other digital communication applications through its Ku-band and extended C-band transponders, supporting various sectors.