INSAT-2D was an Indian communications satellite. Launched on 4 June 1997, and similar to INSAT-2C, INSAT-2D went out of order on October 4, 1997, because of a power inconsistency problem and was later replaced by INSAT-2DT, an in-orbit satellite which was previously known as ARABSAT-1C. The main aim of the satellite was improved communication.[1][2] In the INSAT-2 (Indian National Satellite System) series, INSAT-2D was the fourth consecutive communication satellite. The satellite was launched using an Ariane 4 rocket from French Guiana.[2]
The satellite was placed into geostationary orbit at an inclination of 93.5 degrees east.[3] INSAT-2D's lift-off mass was 2,079 kg (4,583 lb) with propellants of which 995 kg (2,194 lb) were the dry weight.[1] The satellite was expected to have a nominal lifespan of around 7–9 years.[4][3] The onboard power of the satellite was estimated to be 1,650 watts.[1]
Insat-2D, imaged at Northolt Branch Observatories, satellite can be seen as a bright spot passing by fast. BepiColombo satellite of JAXA can also be seen as a dot moving slowly across the screen.
Payloads are separated by bullets ( · ), launches by pipes ( | ). Crewed flights are indicated in underline. Uncatalogued launch failures are listed in italics. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are denoted in (brackets).
