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GSAT-18 Idle Transponders: PAC Flags ₹117 Crore Loss

27 March 20251 min read
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYGSAT-18 IdleTransponders: PACFlags ₹117 CroreLoss27 March 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

A PAC report tabled in the Lok Sabha criticised the Department of Space for leaving six GSAT-18 transponders unused till 2027, causing a ₹117 crore revenue loss.

About GSAT-18

  • Geostationary communication satellite with C, extended C and Ku-band services.
  • Launched 5 October 2016 on Ariane 5 ECA from the Guiana Space Centre, Kourou.
  • Transponder load: 24 in C-band, 12 in extended C-band, 12 in Ku-band.
  • Supports TV, telecom, DSNG and VSAT services.

Department of Space’s defence

  • GSAT-14 flew on a GSLV development flight, so a backup was needed.
  • GSAT-18 is to take over when GSAT-14’s mission ends in 2027 and run till 2032.
  • Spectrum left unoccupied for over three years loses priority.
  • Extra transponders cost little compared with a separate satellite; GSAT-14’s transponders cost ₹110 crore in 2014, excluding launch.

PAC concerns

  • Idle six transponders for 11 years to use them for five years.
  • Questions on maintenance cost during the idle period.
  • Better financial planning and cost optimisation needed.

Exam angle

  • Launch: 5 October 2016, Kourou.
  • Committee: Public Accounts Committee.

Test yourself

1. Until which year will six GSAT-18 transponders remain unused, according to the PAC report?

They stay unutilised until 2027 because of overlap with GSAT-14.

2. GSAT-18 was launched in 2016 aboard which rocket from Kourou, French Guiana?

The notes say it was launched by an Ariane 5 ECA rocket.

3. What revenue loss did the PAC cite from non-use of the GSAT-18 transponders?

A revenue loss of ₹117 crore has occurred.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 27 March 2025 (15 topics).

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