Context : 

• Recently the communication satellite, GSAT-30, was launched into space from the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

About GSAT 30

• The 3,357-kg satellite will replace INSAT-4A which was launched in 2005 and marks the first mission of the year for Indian Space Research Organisation.
• The high-power satellite is equipped with 12 normal C band and 12 Ku band transponders.
• The satellite was put into geosynchronous orbit.

Uses of GSAT-30

• GSAT-30 will provide DTH (direct to home) television services, connectivity to VSATs (that support working of banks’) ATMs, stock exchange, television uplinking and teleport services, digital satellite news gathering and e-governance applications.
• The satellite will also be used for bulk data transfer for a host of emerging telecommunication applications.”
• Its unique configuration provides flexible frequency segments and flexible coverage.
• The satellite will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands through the Ku band and wide coverage over Gulf countries, a large number of Asian countries and Australia through the C band.

Why Foreign Launch Vehicle

• ISRO hired a foreign launcher as GSAT-30 is much heavier than the 2,000-kg lifting capacity of its geostationary launch vehicle GSLV-MkII.
• As for the newer and more powerful GSLV-MkIII that can lift up to 4,000 kg, the space agency plans to save the two or three upcoming MkIIIs mainly for its first human space flight Gaganyaan of 2022 and two preceding crew-less trials.

Source:IE