Context:
- Six transponders on GSAT-18 (launched in 2016) will remain unutilized until 2027 due to overlap with GSAT-14.
- The PAC report tabled in the Lok Sabha urged the Department of Space to be more economically cautious in planning projects involving public funds.
- Revenue loss of ₹117 crore has already occurred due to the non-utilization of these transponders.
GSAT-18
GSAT-18 is an Indian geostationary communication satellite, launched in 2016, designed to provide services in C-band, Extended C-band, and Ku-bands, supporting television, telecommunication, and other services.
- Purpose: GSAT-18 is designed to provide continuity and augment existing telecommunication, television, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG), and VSAT services in India.
- Launch: It was launched on October 5, 2016, by an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.
- Transponders: It carries 24 C-band, 12 extended C-band, and 12 Ku-band transponders.
Department of Space’s Justification
- GSAT-14’s uncertain launch performance: GSAT-14 was launched on a GSLV development flight, and the risk of failure required redundancy.
- Ensuring continuity of service: GSAT-18 was designed to take over from GSAT-14 after its mission life ends in 2027 and will operate until 2032.
- Orbit spectrum protection: If spectrum remains unoccupied for over three years, priority for future usage is lost.
- Minimal additional cost: The extra transponders’ cost was insignificant compared to launching a separate satellite.
Economic Viability Concerns
- PAC questioned the financial logic of keeping six transponders idle for 11 years just to use them for five years.
- The committee also asked about maintenance costs during the idle period.
Cost Comparison
- The realization of GSAT-14, including six Ext C-band and six Ku-band transponders, cost ₹110 crore in 2014 (excluding launch costs).
- Launching a separate satellite would have been a much costlier alternative, according to the Department of Space.
While redundancy planning is critical for mission success and orbital spectrum rights, the PAC emphasized the need for better financial planning. The Department of Space must find ways to optimize costs and utilization to avoid revenue losses in future satellite projects.
