The first communication satellite of India was APPLE (Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment). It was an experimental satellite launched on June 19, 1981, using the European Space Agency’s Ariane -1(V-3) rocket from Kourou, French Guiana. APPLE was designed and fabricated entirely by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
APPLE was a small satellite, weighing only 670 kg. The satellite was equipped with a dual C-band transponder that could provide both telecommunications and television broadcasting services.
APPLE was a successful mission. It demonstrated India’s capability to design, build, and launch its own communication satellites. The satellite was used to broadcast television programs to various parts of India. It was also used for telephony and data communication experiments.
APPLE was in operation for about three months. It failed on September 13, 1981, due to a power failure. However, the mission was considered a success, as it paved the way for India’s future communication satellite program.
The INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) system was established in 1983 with the launch of INSAT-1B. INSAT is a multi-purpose satellite system that provides services for telecommunications, television broadcasting, satellite newsgathering, societal applications, weather forecasting, disaster warning, and Search and Rescue operations.
India has launched many communication satellites since APPLE, including GSAT (Geosynchronous Satellite) series, INSAT series, and IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) series. India’s communication satellite program has played a major role in the country’s development. It has helped to improve connectivity and communication services in remote and rural areas. It has also enabled the delivery of essential services such as education, healthcare, and disaster management.
Here is a more detailed overview of the APPLE satellite:
| Mission | Experimental geostationary communication |
| Weight | 670 kg |
| Onboard Power | 210 Watts |
| Communication | VHF and C-band |
| Stabilization | Three axis stabilized (biased momentum) with Momentum Wheels, Torquers & Hydrazine based Reaction control system |
| Payload | C – band transponders (Two) |
| Launch Date | June 19,1981 |
| Launch Site | Kourou (CSG), French Guyana |
| Launch Vehicle | Ariane -1(V-3) |
| Orbit | Geosynchronous (102 deg. E longitude, over Indonesia) |
| Inclination | Near zero |
| Mission life | Two years |
| Type of Satellite | Experimental |
| Manufacturer & Owner | ISRO |
| Application | Communication Experimental |
Significance of APPLE
The launch of APPLE was a significant event in India’s space program. It was the first time that India had launched its own communication satellite. This demonstrated India’s capability to design, build, and launch complex space systems.
APPLE also had a significant impact on India’s development. It helped to improve connectivity and communication services in remote and rural areas. This enabled the delivery of essential services such as education, healthcare, and disaster management.
The success of APPLE paved the way for India’s future communication satellite program. India has since launched many communication satellites, which have played a major role in the country’s development.
Impact of APPLE
The APPLE satellite had a significant impact on India’s development. It provided television broadcasting services to remote areas of the country, which helped to improve education and awareness among the rural population. APPLE also provided telecommunications services, which helped to connect businesses and individuals across the country.
Conclusion
The APPLE satellite was a landmark achievement for India. It was the country’s first communication satellite and demonstrated its growing capability in space technology. APPLE had a significant impact on India’s development, providing television broadcasting and telecommunications services to remote areas of the country and helping to connect businesses and individuals across the country.
Tags: India’s First Communication Satellite | First Indian Communication Satellite | First Communication Satellite of India.
Source: ISRO (https://www.isro.gov.in/SpacecraftMissions.html)
