GSAT-6A - Communication Lost

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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