Govt initiates steps to procure launch services of GSAT-11

The government today initiated steps to procure the launch services for under-development GSAT-11 spacecraft which would address rural communication requirements of the country.
The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for the procurement of launch services and realisation of ground segment for GSAT-11 spacecraft at a cost of Rs 1,117 crore.
GSAT-11 will be ready for launch by the end of this year. Considering the 5,600 kg lift-off mass, the satellite will be launched using procured launch vehicle outside the country, an official statement said here.
The ground segment is being realised to address the rural communication requirements. This will enable early deployment of GSAT-11 so as to augment Ku-band capacity which can be utilised for various services like VSATS and broadband.

The ground segment of GSAT-11 will enable the utilisation of a small portion of the bandwidth for societal services apart from providing in-orbit testing support. It will also provide a high throughput capacity of about 10 Gbps to render broadband connectivity, especially in rural areas.
A communication satellite with 32 high-power spot beams for providing high bandwidth VSAT communication, GSAT-11 is currently under development at Department of Space and ISRO facilities.