
The GSAT-14 is a significant mission undertaken by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Launched on January 5, 2014, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, this satellite is designed to provide communication services.
GSAT-14 is a multi-beam communication satellite that weighs around 3,181 kg. This satellite is equipped with a 55-kilowatt power generation system and 17 Ku-band transponders.
ISRO and Launch Details
The ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) played a crucial role in the GSAT-14 mission, launching the satellite on January 5, 2014, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The launch vehicle used for this mission was the GSLV-D5, which successfully placed the GSAT-14 satellite into its designated orbit. This was a significant achievement for ISRO, marking a milestone in their efforts to establish a reliable and efficient launch system.
Here are the key details of the launch:
The GSAT-14 satellite itself had a lift-off mass of 1982 kg and used the I-2K bus, indicating its robust and efficient design.
ISRO Mission Relevance

The GSAT-14 mission was a significant achievement for ISRO, marking the first successful flight of the GSLV with an indigenous cryogenic engine. This milestone was a major breakthrough for the space agency.
The mission had several applications in civilian life, including DTH services, VSAT networks, tele-education, and tele-medicine. These services have greatly benefited the public.
The GSAT-14 satellite carried C and Ku band communication payloads, as well as Ka-band beacons for a propagation study. This demonstrates the satellite's versatility and capabilities.
Here are the key achievements of the GSAT-14 mission:
The GSAT-14 mission marked a significant step forward for ISRO, with the satellite being placed in a geostationary transfer orbit and eventually reaching its final destination at 73.9E. This achievement showcases the space agency's capabilities and expertise.
The mission's core operational phase was designed to last for 12 years, with the satellite providing continuous communication services during this time.
Satish Dhawan Space Centre
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India. It's a crucial launch site for ISRO's missions.
This centre is named after the renowned Indian space scientist Satish Dhawan. He played a significant role in India's space program.
ISRO has launched several satellites and spacecraft from this centre, including the Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon.
Mission Specifications

The GSAT-14 mission was launched on January 5, 2014, after several delays. It was launched on the GSLV rocket, which placed the satellite in a geostationary transfer orbit.
The satellite's mass is 1,982 kilograms with fuel, and 851 kilograms without fuel. It has a design life of 12 years. The spacecraft is based on the I-2K bus.
The GSAT-14 satellite carries six Ku-band and six Extended C-band transponders for communication purposes. It also carries two Ka-band beacons for a propagation study.
Isro Mission Specs
The ISRO GSAT-14 mission was launched on January 5, 2014, with a mass of 1982 kg. The spacecraft is based on the I-2K satellite bus and has a dry mass of 851 kilograms.
The mission's communication suite is formed by C-band and Ku-band frequencies. The satellite carries six Ku-band and six Extended C-band transponders to provide coverage of the whole of India.
GSAT-14 is powered by two solar arrays, generating 2,600 watts of power. The satellite has a design life of 12 years and is expected to operate in orbit for the same duration.

Here are the key technical specifications of the GSAT-14 mission:
The satellite is equipped with advanced technologies such as fibre optic gyro, active pixel Sun sensor, round type bolometer, and field programmable gate array based Earth sensors and thermal control coating experiments.
Propellants in GSLV Stages
Propellants in GSLV Stages are crucial for the mission's success. The three stages of GSLV use a combination of propellants to achieve the desired performance.
HTPB, a type of rubber-like fuel, is used in the first stage of GSLV. HTPB is a common propellant used in many rocket systems.
Liquid oxygen at minus 183 degrees Celsius is used in the second stage of GSLV. This cryogenic propellant is extremely cold and requires specialized storage and handling.
Liquid hydrogen at minus 253 degrees Celsius is also used in the second stage of GSLV. This propellant is used in conjunction with liquid oxygen to provide a high specific impulse.
Unsymmetrical Dimethyl Hydrazine + 25% Hydrazine Hydrate is used in the third stage of GSLV. This propellant combination is a common choice for high-performance rocket applications.
The use of cryogenic propellants in GSLV allows for a high degree of precision and control during the mission.
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Launch and Orbit
GSAT-14 was successfully launched into its designated orbit on January 5, 2014. The launch vehicle used for this mission was the GSLV-D5.
The launch took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in Sriharikota. This is a well-established space centre with a reputation for reliable launches.
Here's a quick summary of the launch details:
Launch Information
The GSAT-14 was launched on January 5, 2014, into its designated orbit.
The launch vehicle used for GSAT-14 was GSLV-D5, a reliable and powerful rocket that has been used for several successful launches.
The launch took place at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, a state-of-the-art facility that has been the site of many notable space missions.
Here's a quick rundown of the launch information:
The GSLV-D5 launch vehicle was designed to meet the demands of modern space exploration, and its successful launch of GSAT-14 marked an important milestone in the history of space travel.
GSLV-D5 Targeted Orbit
The GSLV-D5 targeted orbit for the GSAT-14 mission was a geostationary transfer orbit. The satellite was placed into its designated orbit on January 5, 2014.
The GSLV-D5 targeted orbit parameters are quite specific. The perigee, or the closest point to Earth, was 180 ± 5 km. The apogee, or the farthest point from Earth, was 35975 ± 675 km.
The inclination of the orbit was 19.3 ± 0.1 degrees. This precise targeting allowed the GSAT-14 satellite to reach its intended orbit and begin its 12-year mission.
Here are the targeted orbit parameters in a table for easy reference:
Collaboration and Impact
The GSAT-14 mission had limited collaboration with other agencies, with ISRO being the primary stakeholder.
ISRO was the only agency involved in the mission.
The mission's impact was felt in various sectors, including DTH services, VSAT networks, tele-education, and tele-medicine.
Here are the key applications of the GSAT-14 mission:
- DTH services
- VSAT networks
- Tele-education
- Tele-medicine
Stakeholders & Collaborators
In the context of the mission, ISRO played a significant role as the primary stakeholder and collaborator.
ISRO was involved in various phases of the mission, indicating their extensive commitment to its success.
The agencies involved in the mission were led by ISRO, making them the central point of collaboration.
ISRO was the sole agency involved in the mission, with no commercial partners or international partners contributing to the project.
A table summarizing the stakeholders and collaborators involved in the mission would look like this:
ISRO Mission Outputs & Impact
GSAT-14 generated a wealth of data outputs, including Communication services data.
This data has numerous applications in various sectors, such as DTH services, VSAT networks, tele-education, and tele-medicine.
GSAT-14 also marked a significant milestone in ISRO's mission series, with its successful flight testing an indigenous cryogenic stage.
The satellite's technical capabilities enabled it to advance sectors like DTH services and VSAT networks.
Further GSAT satellites for communication needs represent the next logical step in the mission series initiated by GSAT-14, reflecting ISRO’s commitment to iterative advancements in this area.
Here are some of the key applications and impacts of the GSAT-14 mission:
- DTH services
- VSAT networks
- Tele-education
- Tele-medicine
The mission also ensured the continuity of communication services and tested an indigenous cryogenic stage, marking a strategic outcome for ISRO.
Mission Details
The GSAT-14 mission was a long time coming, with a launch delay spanning several months. It was initially scheduled for October 2012 but didn't happen until January 2014.
The launch vehicle used was the Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), which successfully placed the GSAT-14 satellite in a geostationary transfer orbit. The orbit had dimensions of 182 x 35755 km x 19.4 degrees.
GSAT-14's onboard apogee engine played a crucial role in its journey, placing it in a subsynchronous orbit on the way to its final destination. This was achieved by January 7, 2014.
GSAT-14 reached its final position at 73.9 East longitude by February 4, 2014. It carries C and Ku band communication payloads, and Ka-band beacons for a propagation study.
Here's a summary of the GSAT-14's orbit details:
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