# INSAT-3A

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q1536999](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1536999)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/INSAT-3A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/insat-3a

## Summary
INSAT-3A is an Indian communications satellite launched in 2003 by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Designed to provide telecommunications services, it operates in a geostationary orbit and had a mass of 2950 kilograms at launch.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date:** 2003-04-09
- **Mass:** 2950 kilograms
- **Operator:** Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5G
- **Launch Site:** ELA-3
- **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit
- **Classification:** Communications satellite
- **Space Catalog Number (SCN):** 27714
- **COSPAR ID:** 2003-013A

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of INSAT-3A?
A: INSAT-3A was designed to serve as a communications satellite, providing telecommunications services.

### Q: Which organization launched and operated INSAT-3A?
A: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) operated INSAT-3A, and it was launched using an Ariane 5G rocket.

### Q: Where was INSAT-3A launched from?
A: INSAT-3A was launched from ELA-3, specifically the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

### Q: What was the mass of INSAT-3A at launch?
A: INSAT-3A had a mass of 2950 kilograms when it was launched.

## Why It Matters
INSAT-3A represents a significant achievement for India's domestic space program, specifically under ISRO. As a communications satellite, it played a crucial role in expanding India's telecommunications infrastructure, enabling services such as telecommunication, broadcasting, and data transmission. Its deployment using the European Ariane 5G vehicle also highlights international collaboration in space endeavors. While the specific services extended beyond this are detailed in the body, its existence was fundamental to enhancing connectivity and communication capabilities across India within its designed scope.

## Notable For
- **High Mass:** One of the heavier Indian communication satellites at launch, weighing 2950 kilograms.
- **European Launch:** Utilized the European Ariane 5G launch vehicle from ELA-3, Kourou.
- **ISRO Flagship:** A core satellite within the ISRO-operated INSAT system for communications.
- **Specific Orbit:** Designed to operate in geostationary orbit.
- **Cataloged:** Recognized with the Space Catalog Number 27714 and COSPAR ID 2003-013A.

## Body
### Overview
INSAT-3A is an artificial satellite classified specifically as a communications satellite. Its primary function is telecommunications.

### Technical Specifications
*   **Mass:** 2950 kilograms (kg) at launch.
*   **Orbit:** Geostationary orbit.
*   **Space Catalog Number (SCN):** 27714.
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2003-013A.

### Launch Details
*   **Launch Date:** 2003-04-09.
*   **Launch Vehicle:** Ariane 5G.
*   **Launch Site:** ELA-3 (Guiana Space Centre, Kourou, French Guiana).
*   **Launch Event:** A rocket launch event occurring at ELA-3 on 2003-04-09.

### Ownership & Operation
*   **Operator:** Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
*   **Owner/Owning Organization:** Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
*   **Country:** India.

### Classification & Related Entities
*   **Instance Of:** Communications satellite.
*   **Related Classes:** Communications satellite, Ariane 5G (launch vehicle).

### Identifiers
*   **SCN:** 27714.
*   **COSPAR ID:** 2003-013A.
*   **Freebase ID:** /m/0g56tx5.
*   **Wikipedia Title:** INSAT-3A.
*   **Aliases:** Insat 3A.
*   **Wikipedia Languages:** de, en, hi, mr, pt, te.
*   **Wolfram Language Entity Code:** Entity["Satellite", "27714"].

### Reference Sources
*   ISRO Spacecraft List (https://www.isro.gov.in/spacecraft/list-of-communication-satellites, archived 2022-08-17)
*   Wikidata (Q328, Q6272367, Q15241312)

## References

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