Data revolution: ISRO to launch high-power satellites to increase connectivity speeds
Hyderabad: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to bring about a revolution in data communication with the launch of high-power communication satellites, over the next five years. These satellites will have a data handling capability of 100 GB (gigabytes) per second.
ISRO is also set to launch the GSLV-Mk III to put a satellite with a payload of 4 to 4.5 tonnes in orbit. Isro chairman, K. Radhakrishnan, termed it a precursor to the “first modern human flight.” Dr Radhakrishnan was speaking at the convocation ceremony of students of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad, on Sunday.
Dr Radhakrishnan said, “The GSLV is currently equipped to launch satellites with a payload of 2.2 tonnes. Now, we are developing the GSLV-Mk III which can launch a satellite with a payload of 4 to 4.5 tonnes,”
He added, “In the next two to three months we are going to have an experimental flight launch. It is a precursor to the first modern human flight into space.”
BITS Chancellor, Kumar Mangalam Birla, participated in the convocation ceremony along with Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B.N. Jain and director, Dr V.S. Rao.
Dr Radhakrishnan also said that the high-power satellite, over the next five years, will help in increasing bandwidth and connectivity speeds. “We will reach the next level over the next five years with satellite transponders having three times the power we have now. It will bring a revolution in date communication,” he added.
Communication satellites with a power of 15 KW and data handling capability of 100 GB per second are to be launched. ISRO is also planning to replace several ageing satellites with new ones.
