Indian National Satellite System

series of multipurpose geo-stationary satellites launched by ISRO

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 1B
INSAT 1B

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

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INSAT-1B satellite: TV and other related sectors in India use INSAT systems.

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

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Satellite Date of launch Launch vehicle Status
INSAT series
INSAT-1A 10 April 1982   Delta 3910 / PAM-D No More Used
INSAT-1B 30 August 1983   Space Shuttle / PAM-D No More Used
INSAT-1C 21 July 1988   Ariane 3 No More Used
INSAT-1D 9 July 1992   Delta 4925 No More Used
INSAT-2A 22 July 1993   Ariane 44L H10 No More Used
INSAT-2B 12 June 1990   Ariane 44L H10+ No More Used
INSAT-2C 6 December 1995   Ariane 44L H10-3 Still Used
INSAT-2D 3 June 1997   Ariane 44L H10-3 No More Used
INSAT-2DT 26 February 1992   Ariane 44L H10 No More Used
INSAT-2E 2 April 1999   Ariane 42P H10-3 Still Used
INSAT-3A 9 April 2003   Ariane 5G Still Used
INSAT-3B 21 March 2000   Ariane 5G Still Used
INSAT-3C 23 January 2002   Ariane 42L H10-3 Still Used
INSAT-3D 25 July 2013   Ariane 5 ECA Still Used
INSAT-3DR 8 September 2016   GSLV Mk II Still Used
INSAT-3DS 17 February 2024   GSLV Mk II Still Used
INSAT-3E 21 December 2003   Ariane 5G No More Used
INSAT-4A 27 September 2005   Ariane 5GS No More Used
INSAT-4B 11 March 2007   Ariane 5 ECA No More Used
INSAT-4C 10 July 2006   GSLV Mk I FAILED
INSAT-4CR 2 September 2007   GSLV Mk I No More Used
INSAT-4D -   GSLV Mk I CANCELLED
INSAT-4E 27 August 2015   GSLV Mk II Still Used
INSAT-4F 29 August 2013   Ariane 5 ECA Still Used
INSAT-4G 20 May 2011   Ariane 5 ECA Still Used