Indian National Satellite System

The Indian National Satellite System or INSAT in short is a series of many geostationary satellites. They were launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for multiple purposes like telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations. INSAT was commissioned in 1983. It is the largest domestic communication system in the Indo-Pacific region. The satellites are made possible by the Department of Space, Department of Telecommunications, India Meteorological Department, All India Radio and Doordarshan. The operations of the INSAT system are handled by the Secretary-level INSAT Coordination Committee.

INSAT satellites provide transponders used for communication to serve the television and communication needs of India. Some of the satellites also have devices like VHRR, CCD cameras to take weather pictures. The satellites also help in receiving distress alert signals to help in search and rescue missions in South Asia and the Indian Ocean, as ISRO is a member of the Cospas-Sarsat program.

 INSAT system 
INSAT started with the launch of INSAT-1B in August 1983. INSAT-1A, the first satellite with 'A' in its name, was launched before 1B in April 1982 but it did not work. INSAT system helped improve television, radio, phone services and weather forecasting in India, even in remote areas and islands. Some of the INSATs also carry instruments for meteorological observation and data relay for providing meteorological services. KALPANA-1 satellite is used specially only for weather. The satellites are controlled by Master Control Facilities that exist in Hassan and Bhopal.

 List of INSAT satellites 
SatelliteDate of launchLaunch vehicleStatusINSAT seriesINSAT-1A10 April 1982 Delta 3910 / PAM-DNo More UsedINSAT-1B30 August 1983 Space Shuttle / PAM-DNo More UsedINSAT-1C21 July 1988 Ariane 3No More UsedINSAT-1D9 July 1992 Delta 4925No More UsedINSAT-2A22 July 1993 Ariane 44L H10No More UsedINSAT-2B12 June 1990 Ariane 44L H10+No More UsedINSAT-2C6 December 1995 Ariane 44L H10-3Still UsedINSAT-2D3 June 1997 Ariane 44L H10-3No More UsedINSAT-2DT26 February 1992 Ariane 44L H10No More UsedINSAT-2E2 April 1999 Ariane 42P H10-3Still UsedINSAT-3A9 April 2003 Ariane 5GStill UsedINSAT-3B21 March 2000 Ariane 5GStill UsedINSAT-3C23 January 2002 Ariane 42L H10-3Still UsedINSAT-3D25 July 2013 Ariane 5 ECAStill UsedINSAT-3DR8 September 2016 GSLV Mk IIStill UsedINSAT-3DS17 February 2024 GSLV Mk IIStill UsedINSAT-3E21 December 2003 Ariane 5GNo More UsedINSAT-4A27 September 2005 Ariane 5GSNo More UsedINSAT-4B11 March 2007 Ariane 5 ECANo More UsedINSAT-4C10 July 2006 GSLV Mk IFAILEDINSAT-4CR2 September 2007 GSLV Mk INo More UsedINSAT-4D - GSLV Mk ICANCELLEDINSAT-4E27 August 2015 GSLV Mk IIStill UsedINSAT-4F29 August 2013 Ariane 5 ECAStill UsedINSAT-4G20 May 2011 Ariane 5 ECAStill Used

Category:Satellites
Category:Indian Space Research Organisation