Click here to know more on GSAT-6A launch
Why in news?
- GSAT-6A was launched recently carrying a communication satellite.
- A day after launch, all communications with the satellite were lost, and the ISRO is working on restoring the link.
Where did the satellite fail?
- The 2,000-kg-plus GSAT-6A was launched on the indigenous GSLV rocket recently, from the “Satish Dhawan Space Centre” at Sriharikota.
- The launch is said to have been as per plan.
- The controllers were subsequently involved in correcting the orbit into a circular one.
- This is a critical but frequently done exercise that lasts about a week.
- The first on-board motor firing for course correction lasted for about 36 minutes, and is said to have successfully achieved the desired manoeuvre.
- The communication from the satellite is said to have got disrupted after the second firing.
- It is believed that contact was lost due to a possible power glitch or a short circuit on the satellite.
What will the impact be?
- GSAT 6A is only a reserve for the already functional GSAT 6.
- So functional shortages are not expected currently even if contact is permanently lost.
- ISRO has also stated that its other missions would not be impacted by these developments.
- The navigation satellite IRNSS-1I’s launch will proceed as per schedule.
What next?
- ISRO has expressed hope of restoring communication.
- The systems on board seem to be in good health.
- Multiple ISRO teams are working through ground stations for restoration of communication.
- An expert committee has also been constituted to look into the issue and suggest possible recovery and other options.
- Notably, there are occasions when satellites have sprung alive after a few days.
- But given all these, chances appear to be dim in this case.
Source: The Hindu
