Will the Minister of SPACE be pleased to state:-

(a) the aims and objectives of INSAT series satellite programme;

(b) whether several satellites in the INSAT series have performed satisfactorily and greatly improved the communication network in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether based on experiential learning from the satisfactory performances of the launched satellites, the enhanced scope of next satellites in the INSAT or other satellite series in terms of launching newer services becomes more predictable;

(e) if so, the details of the scope of the services to be performed by GSAT-6 and GSAT- 6A satellites at the time of their project and budget approval by the competent authority; and

(f) the details of the specific changes that were approved in the scope of services to be offered by the GSAT-6 and GSAT-6A satellites after their original approval?

ANSWER: MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRIES OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS, PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS AND IN PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE (SHRI V. NARAYANASAMY):

(a) Self reliance in the field of satellite communication, applications and technology is the goal of the INSAT System.

(b) & (c) Yes, Sir. In all 19 satellites have been built so far since early 1980’s out of which 9 satellites are operational today, namely INSAT-2E, INSAT-3A, 3C, 3E, INSAT-4A, 4B, 4CR, GSAT-2 and Kalpana-1. These satellites are fulfilling the national requirements of telecommunications, TV and Radio broadcasting and Meteorological services. In addition, strategic and societal applications are also part of the services being provided by the INSAT systems.

(d) Yes, Sir. ISRO is now building new satellites with transponders operating in S, C, Extended C, Ku and Ka frequency bands with a view to cater to new requirements.

(e) The scope of services to be performed by GSAT-6 and GSAT-6A satellites at the time of their project and budget approval by the competent authority is “Introduction of Satellite based digital multimedia broadcast services in the country, demonstration of mobile satellite applications to strategic and social sectors and advancing the frontiers of satellite technology involving use of large unfurlable antenna”.

(f) No changes have been made.

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