INSAT2A

INSAT2A was the first satellite in the second-generation INSAT series, launched by India. It was built by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and launched by Arianespace on July 10, 1992, from Kourou, French Guiana. INSAT2A was a multipurpose satellite designed for telecommunications, television broadcasting, and meteorological observation.

The satellite carried a payload of 12 C-band transponders, which provided communication services across India and to neighboring countries. It also had a meteorological payload that included a Very High Resolution Radiometer (VHRR) for cloud imaging and a Data Collection Platform (DCP) for receiving data from ground-based sensors. INSAT2A was placed in a geostationary orbit at 74 degrees East longitude.

INSAT2A played a significant role in expanding India's communication network and improving weather forecasting capabilities. It enabled expansion of television services to remote areas and facilitated long-distance telephone communication. Its meteorological data was crucial for understanding weather patterns and providing early warnings for natural disasters. The satellite operated successfully for several years before its operational life concluded. Its success paved the way for subsequent INSAT satellites.