The Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) is a multipurpose geostationary satellite program managed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Since its inception in 1983, the INSAT system has been pivotal in revolutionizing telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue operations in India. This program represents a collaborative effort involving various Indian government departments and agencies, demonstrating India's commitment to leveraging space technology for national development.

Overview of the INSAT Programme

The INSAT program was initiated to meet the telecommunications, broadcasting, and meteorological needs of India. The satellites under this program are positioned in geostationary orbits, allowing them to provide consistent and reliable services. INSAT's applications span a wide range of areas including telecommunication services, TV broadcasting, weather forecasting, and disaster management.

History and Milestones

• 1982: The program began with the launch of INSAT-1A, which unfortunately failed in orbit.
• 1983: INSAT-1B was successfully launched, marking the operational start of the INSAT system.
• 1988-1990: INSAT-1C (partial failure) and INSAT-1D (successful) were launched, expanding the satellite constellation.
• 1992-1999: The INSAT-2 series (INSAT-2A to INSAT-2E) were launched, significantly enhancing the system's capabilities.
• 2000s: The launch of the INSAT-3 series and dedicated meteorological satellites like KALPANA-1 improved meteorological services and data relay capabilities.
• 2010s onwards: The GSAT series began, further enhancing communication and broadcasting capabilities with more advanced satellites.

Key Satellites in the INSAT Programme

1. INSAT-1 Series:
   • INSAT-1A (1982): Launched by Delta rocket but failed in orbit.
   • INSAT-1B (1983): Launched by Shuttle PAM-D, successfully provided telecommunications, TV broadcasting, and meteorological services.
   • INSAT-1C (1988): Launched by Ariane-3, suffered a partial failure.
   • INSAT-1D (1990): Successfully launched by Delta, completed its mission.
2. INSAT-2 Series:
   • INSAT-2A (1992): Launched by Ariane-4, improved telecommunications and meteorological services.
   • INSAT-2B (1993): Launched by Ariane-4, enhanced the capabilities further.
   • INSAT-2C (1995): Added more transponders for communication services.
   • INSAT-2D (1997): Launched by Ariane-4 but failed in orbit.
   • INSAT-2E (1999): Last of the INSAT-2 series, provided additional communication transponders and meteorological payloads.
3. INSAT-3 Series:
   • INSAT-3B (2000): Launched by Ariane-5, focused on business communication, internet services, and broadcasting.
   • INSAT-3C (2002): Provided expanded telecommunication and broadcasting services.
   • INSAT-3A (2003): Added further meteorological capabilities and data relay services.
   • INSAT-3E (2003): Enhanced transponder capacity for communication services.
4. KALPANA-1 (2002): A dedicated meteorological satellite launched by PSLV, providing vital data for weather forecasting and disaster management.
5. INSAT-4 Series:
   • INSAT-4A (2005): Enhanced DTH television broadcasting services.
   • INSAT-4B (2007): Supported television broadcasting and telecommunications.
   • INSAT-4CR (2007): Provided additional capacity for communication services.
6. GSAT Series:
   • GSAT-1 (2001): Launched by GSLV, focused on experimental communication services.
   • GSAT-2 (2003): Added more transponders for communication.
   • GSAT-12 (2011): Launched by PSLV-C17, enhanced telecommunication services.
   • GSAT-10 (2012), GSAT-7 (2013), GSAT-14 (2014), GSAT-16 (2014), GSAT-6 (2015), and others: These satellites continued to enhance India's communication and broadcasting capabilities, each adding more transponders and advanced technologies.