INSAT-3A, a multipurpose satellite built by ISRO was launched by Ariane in April 2003. It is located at 93.5 degree East longitude. It is third satellite in INSAT-3 series after INSAT-3B & INSAT-3C. Built at a cost of $53 mn, it provides communication, weather, and search and rescue services.
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Mission type | Communications Weather |
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Operator | INSAT |
COSPAR ID | 2003-013A ![]() |
SATCAT no. | 27714 |
Website | INSAT 3A |
Spacecraft properties | |
Manufacturer | ISRO |
Launch mass | 2,950 kilograms (6,500 lb) |
Dimensions | 2.8 x 1.7 x 2.0 metres |
Power | 3.1 kilowatts |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 9 April 2003, 22:52 (2003-04-09UTC22:52Z) UTC |
Rocket | Ariane 5G V160 |
Launch site | Kourou ELA-3 |
Contractor | Arianespace |
Orbital parameters | |
Reference system | Geocentric |
Regime | Geostationary |
Longitude | 93.5° East (0°N +93.5°E / 0; +93.5) |
Inclination | 74 degrees |
Period | 12 years |
INSAT 3A was launched by Ariane-5 launch vehicle of Arianespace on April 9, 2003, at 22.52 UTC from Kourou, French Guiana. It was placed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), 30 minutes after the lift-off in 3-axis stabilized mode, with a perigee (nearest point to earth) of 859 km and an apogee (farthest point to earth) of 36,055 km and an inclination of 1.99 deg. with respect to the equator. Its co-passenger on its launch was GALAXI-XII of PanAmSat. Its Master Control Facility (MCF) is located at Hassan, Karnataka (India). It is 3-axis body stabilised in orbit using momentum and reaction wheels, solar flaps, magnetic torquers and eight 10 N and eight 22 N reaction control thrusters. Its propulsion system consists of 440 N Liquid Apogee Motor MON-3 (Mixed Oxides of Nitrogen) and MMH (MonoMethylHydrazine) for orbit raising.
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INSAT-4 series |
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← 2002 · Orbital launches in 2003 · 2004 → | |
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January | |
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