GSAT-31 is an Indian geostationary communications satellite. It was launched on February 6, 2019, from the Spaceport in French Guiana by an Ariane 5 launch vehicle. Weighing approximately 2,535 kg at launch, it provides Ku-band transponder capacity primarily to augment communication services in the Indian subcontinent.
The satellite's mission is to provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites, and to provide wide beam coverage to facilitate communication in remote and inaccessible areas. GSAT-31 is configured on ISRO’s enhanced I-2K Bus structure. It provides increased bandwidth for VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) networks, television uplinks, digital satellite news gathering, and other communications applications. Its estimated service life is 15 years.
