India's 40th communication satellite GSAT-31 launched successfully

GSAT-31 will be used for supporting VSAT networks, television uplinks, digital satellite news gathering, DTH-television services and cellular backhaul connectivity

India's 40th communication satelliteGSAT-31 was successfully placed in orbit on Wednesday by an Ariane5 rocket from French Guiana. The satellite will cover both the mainland and islands of the country and provide communication services such as DTH, ATMs connectivity and emergency communication, etc. 

The rocket, which carried the 2,535-kg satellite, blasted off from the spaceport in French Guiana at 02:31 am (IST) as scheduled.

GSAT-31 is India's 40th communication satellite, which is configured based on the Indian Space Research Organisation's (Isro's) enhanced I-2K Bus. It utilises the maximum bus capabilities of this type. 

"Designed and developed by Isro, GSAT-31 is