INDIA'S 'MOST POWERFUL' SATELLITE GSAT-11 LAUNCHED; WILL PROVIDE INTERNET SPEEDS OF UP TO 14 GBPS

India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11, that would boost broadband services in the country, was successfully launched by an Arianespace rocket from the French Guiana in the early hours today, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The GSAT-11, also called "Big Bird", will help provide satellite-based internet to remote places where cable-based internet cannot reach.

"GSAT-11 is the next generation high throughput communication satellite that will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country. It will also provide a platform to demonstrate new generation applications," ISRO chief Dr K Sivan said.

Weighing about 5,854 kg, the GSAT-11 is the "heaviest" satellite built by ISRO. According to ISRO, GSAT-11 will provide high data rate connectivity to users of Indian mainland and islands through 32 user beams in Ku-band and 8 hub beams in Ka-band with up to 14 gigabit per second (GBPS) data transfer speed.

Calling the satellite a fore-runner in a series of advanced communications satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and islands, it said GSAT-11 will play a vital role in providing broadband services across the country and also be a platform to demonstrate new generation applications.

Along with its three siblings, GSAT-19, GSAT-29 and GSAT-20, the satellite will be a "game changer for providing internet access and data communications for India and will aid the digital India program.