# Ariane flight VA247

> space launch

**Wikidata**: [Q61659120](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61659120)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariane_flight_VA247)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ariane-flight-va247

## Summary
Ariane flight VA247 was a space launch conducted by Arianespace on February 5, 2019, using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket. It successfully deployed the Indian telecommunications satellite GSAT-31 into orbit. This mission was part of the Ariane 5 rocket series, which has since been retired.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: February 5, 2019
- **Operator**: Arianespace
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (a variant of the retired Ariane 5 rocket series)
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3 (Guiana Space Centre)
- **Payload**: GSAT-31, an Indian telecommunications satellite
- **Preceded By**: Ariane flight VA246
- **Followed By**: Ariane flight VA248
- **Rocket Status**: Part of the now-retired Ariane 5 series

## FAQs
### Q: When did Ariane flight VA247 take place?
A: The launch occurred on February 5, 2019.

### Q: What was the purpose of Ariane flight VA247?
A: The mission deployed the GSAT-31 satellite to support telecommunications services in India.

### Q: What type of rocket was used for VA247?
A: The launch vehicle was an Ariane 5 ECA, part of the retired Ariane 5 series.

## Why It Matters
Ariane flight VA247 played a critical role in expanding India's telecommunications infrastructure by deploying the GSAT-31 satellite. As part of the Ariane 5 ECA launch series, this mission underscored the reliability of European rocket technology during the Ariane 5's operational lifespan. The flight also highlighted Arianespace's expertise in commercial satellite launches, contributing to global communication services. Given the eventual retirement of the Ariane 5, VA247 represents one of the final missions of a historic launch system that supported numerous scientific and commercial space endeavors.

## Notable For
- Deploying the GSAT-31 satellite to enhance India's telecommunications capabilities.
- Utilizing the Ariane 5 ECA rocket, a key variant of the retired Ariane 5 series.
- Launching from the ELA-3 facility at the Guiana Space Centre, a core site for European space activities.
- Serving as a precursor to the subsequent Ariane flight VA248, continuing Arianespace's launch cadence.

## Body
### Launch Overview
- **Date**: February 5, 2019
- **Operator**: Arianespace, a leading European space transportation company
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3 (Ariane Launch Area 3) at the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana

### Rocket Details
- **Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA (Enhanced Capability version)
- **Rocket Series**: Part of the Ariane 5 family, which was retired after 2023
- **Configuration**: The ECA variant featured improved payload capacity for geostationary orbit missions

### Payload
- **Satellite**: GSAT-31, designed to provide telecommunications services across India
- **Purpose**: To support broadband, television broadcasting, and emergency communications

### Mission Context
- **Preceding Flight**: VA246 (launched in December 2018)
- **Following Flight**: VA248 (launched in August 2019)
- **Historical Significance**: VA247 contributed to the Ariane 5's legacy as a workhorse for commercial satellite deployments

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