INSAT 4B

Additional information INSAT 4B

INSAT-4B is an Indian communications satellite which forms part of the Indian National Satellite System. Launched in 2007, it is operated in geostationary orbit at a longitude of 93.48° east.Built by the Indian Space Research Organisation, INSAT-4B is based upon the I-3K satellite bus. It had a mass at launch of 3,028 kilograms (6,676 lb), with a dry mass of 1,335 kilograms (2,943 lb) and was expected to operate for twelve years. Two solar arrays power the satellite, while its communications payload consists of twelve C and twelve Ku band transponders.Arianespace was contracted to launch INSAT-4B using an Ariane 5 ECA carrier rocket. The launch occurred on 11 March 2007 at 22:03 UTC, from ELA-3 at Kourou. The Skynet 5A military communications satellite for the British Ministry of Defence was launched aboard the same rocket.
INSAT-4B was successfully inserted into geosynchronous transfer orbit, from which it raised itself into geostationary orbit using a liquid-fuelled apogee motor. It received the International Designator 2007-007A and Satellite Catalog Number 30793. As of 11 November 2013, it is in an orbit with a perigee of 35,776 kilometres (22,230 mi), an apogee of 35,809 kilometres (22,251 mi), inclination of 0.07 degrees and an orbital period of 23.93 hours.