First communication satellite launched by India?
VerifiedAnswer: APPLE
Explanation:
APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment) holds the distinction of being India's first communication satellite, launched on June 19, 1981. This historic launch marked India's entry into the world of satellite communications and laid the foundation for the country's ambitious space communication programs.
The satellite was launched from Kourou, French Guiana, using the European Space Agency's Ariane-1 rocket. APPLE was essentially an experimental satellite that helped Indian scientists and engineers gain valuable experience in satellite communication technology. The satellite weighed approximately 670 kilograms and was placed in a geostationary orbit at 102° East longitude.
APPLE served multiple important purposes during its operational life. It was primarily used for experimental communication services, including telephone and television signal transmission across different parts of India. The satellite also facilitated domestic communication links and helped establish India's expertise in satellite ground station operations and management.
The success of APPLE was crucial for India's space program as it demonstrated the country's capability to operate and manage communication satellites effectively. The experience gained from APPLE directly contributed to the development of India's subsequent communication satellite series, including the INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) program, which became one of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific region.
The satellite operated successfully for several years and provided valuable data about satellite communication in the Indian subcontinent's unique geographical and atmospheric conditions. APPLE's launch represented a significant milestone in India's journey toward becoming self-reliant in space technology and communications infrastructure, paving the way for the advanced satellite systems that India operates today.
