# GSAT-8

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q3278428](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3278428)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSAT-8)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat-8

## Summary
GSAT-8 is a communications satellite operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Launched on May 20, 2011, it was part of India's INSAT-4G series and served as a key component in the GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation system. It weighed 3,093 kilograms and was launched using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from ELA-3.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Communications satellite (also classified as a navigation satellite)
- **Operator**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Launch Date**: May 20, 2011
- **Mass**: 3,093 kilograms
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-022A
- **Aliases**: INSAT-4G
- **Country of Origin**: India
- **Significant Event**: Launched on May 20, 2011, from ELA-3

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of GSAT-8?
A: GSAT-8 was part of India's INSAT-4G series and contributed to the GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation system, enhancing satellite-based navigation capabilities.

### Q: Who launched GSAT-8?
A: GSAT-8 was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket on May 20, 2011.

### Q: What is the mass of GSAT-8?
A: GSAT-8 has a mass of 3,093 kilograms.

### Q: Where was GSAT-8 launched from?
A: GSAT-8 was launched from ELA-3.

### Q: What type of orbit does GSAT-8 operate in?
A: GSAT-8 operates in a geostationary orbit.

## Why It Matters
GSAT-8 played a crucial role in India's satellite communications infrastructure, particularly in the INSAT-4G series. As part of the GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation system, it contributed to enhanced satellite-based navigation services. Its successful deployment demonstrated ISRO's capability in launching and operating advanced communications satellites, supporting both civilian and strategic applications. The satellite's inclusion in the navigation system highlights India's growing expertise in space-based positioning and timing technologies.

## Notable For
- **Navigation Integration**: Part of the GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation system, enhancing India's satellite-based navigation capabilities.
- **Communications Satellite**: Designed for telecommunications, supporting India's INSAT-4G series.
- **Ariane 5 ECA Launch**: Successfully launched using the Ariane 5 ECA rocket, showcasing ISRO's collaboration with European space agencies.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Operates in a geostationary orbit, providing stable and reliable communications services.
- **Massive Payload**: Weighing 3,093 kilograms, GSAT-8 was one of the heavier communications satellites launched by ISRO at the time.

## Body
### Overview
GSAT-8 is a communications satellite developed and operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was launched on May 20, 2011, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from ELA-3. The satellite is part of the INSAT-4G series and contributes to India's GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation system.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 3,093 kilograms
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA
- **Launch Date**: May 20, 2011
- **COSPAR ID**: 2011-022A

### Mission and Applications
GSAT-8 was designed for telecommunications and played a role in the GPS-aided GEO augmented navigation system. This system enhances satellite-based navigation services, supporting both civilian and strategic applications.

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA
- **Significant Event**: Launched on May 20, 2011, marking a successful deployment for ISRO.

### Classification and Relationships
- **Type**: Communications satellite (also classified as a navigation satellite)
- **Operator**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Country**: India
- **Aliases**: INSAT-4G

### References and Additional Information
- **Wikidata ID**: 37605
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0gtvq4d
- **Wikipedia Title**: GSAT-8
- **Wikipedia Languages**: Available in Bengali, German, English, Hindi, Hungarian, Japanese, Latvian, Malayalam, Marathi, and Portuguese.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/SpaceApplications.html)
2. Jonathan's Space Report
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/list-of-communication-satellites)