The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticized ISRO for keeping six GSAT-18 transponders idle until 2027, raising concerns over economic inefficiency. These transponders remain unused due to GSAT-14’s ongoing operations. PAC urged better resource planning, cost-benefit analyses, and transparency in satellite projects to ensure optimal use of public funds.
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The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised concern over the GSAT-18 Cost.
ISRO launches GSAT-18, a communication satellite, to provide services like television broadcasting, telecommunications, and data transmission.
It was launched in October 2016. The Ariane 5 rocket carried the satellite into space -> from the Guiana Space Centre in French Guiana
GSAT-18 includes 48 transponders, including 24 transponders in the Ku-band, 12 in the C-band, and 12 in the extended C-band. These transponders support a wide range of communication needs.
It operates in a geostationary orbit at 74 degrees East longitude. Engineers position it strategically to cover the entire Indian subcontinent.
Recently, a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) criticized the Department of Space for not being economical -> GSAT-18 carries 48 transponders across three frequency bands to provide communication services. However, six of its Extended C-Band transponders are set to remain idle for 11 years (2016 to 2027).
The PAC questioned the economic prudence of keeping these transponders unused for such a long period while still incurring maintenance costs.
The PAC tabled a report in the Lok Sabha, urging the Department of Space to be more cautious and economically prudent when planning projects involving substantial public funds.
The Department of Space decided to keep six Extended C-Band transponders on GSAT-18 idle because -> another satellite, GSAT-14, already carries six transponders operating in the same frequency band.
The six transponders on GSAT-18 will remain switched off until GSAT-14 completes its mission life in September 2027. After that, GSAT-18 will take over the service until 2032.
The Space department should avoid keeping costly assets like transponders, unless absolutely necessary.
Before finalizing satellite configurations, the department should thoroughly evaluate alternatives to ensure maximum utilization of resources.
The department should provide detailed cost-benefit analyses for decisions that involve significant public expenditure, ensuring transparency and accountability.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding the GSAT-18 satellite: 1. It provides telecommunication services in the normal C-band. 2. It was launched from the European spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 only C) Both 1 and 2 D) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: C Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: GSAT-18 carries transponders in the Normal C-band, Extended C-band, and Ku-band. Statement 2 is correct: GSAT-18 was launched on October 5, 2016, from the European spaceport at Kourou, French Guiana, using an Ariane-5 VA-231 rocket. |
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