The Bangabandhu Satellite, also known as the Bangabandhu-1, holds great importance for Bangladesh in multiple domains. It marks the country’s entry into the world of satellite technology. The satellite was launched on May 12, 2018, into a geostationary orbit from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. After that, Bangladesh became the 57th country in the world to own a satellite. It symbolizes Bangladesh’s ambition to ensure universal access to information, promote digital connectivity, and also reduce the digital divide within the nation.
| Summary of Bangabandhu Satellite | |
|---|---|
| Name | Bangabandhu Satellite-1 |
| Manufacturer | Thales Alenia Space |
| Launching Date | 12th May 2018 |
| Launch Site | Kennedy Space Center, Launch Complex 39, LC-39A |
| Contractor | SpaceX |
| Operator | Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) |
| Lifespan | 15 Years |
| Capacity | 1,600 MHz |
| Band | 14 C band, 26 Ku band |
| Primary Ground Station | Gazipur |
| Secondary Ground Station | Betbunia, Rangamati |
Bangabandhu Satellite Mission
Satellite Development: Bangladesh collaborated with Thales Alenia Space, a renowned satellite manufacturer, for the construction of the Bangabandhu Satellite in 2015.
Launch Services: Launching a satellite into space involves substantial expenses. Bangladesh opted to launch the Bangabandhu Satellite into space using the services of SpaceX, the private space exploration company led by Elon Musk. SpaceX utilized its Falcon 9 rocket to transport the satellite into orbit. This mission was also the milestone for SpaceX because they performed series of upgrades to the Falcon 9 rocket. This upgrades were denoted by block 5. These upgrades were designed to allow to reuse each falcon 9 rocket, 10 times or more. It also reduces the time of refurbishment. The name of the Drone Ship of landing the rocket was “Of Course I Still Love You”.
Features and Technical Specifications
The Bangabandhu Satellite is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and features that enhance its functionality and coverage. Some of its notable features include:
Geostationary Orbit: The satellite orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometers, enabling it to remain fixed above a particular location on the planet’s surface. This characteristic allows for continuous and uninterrupted coverage of Bangladesh and neighboring regions.
Communication Capabilities: The Bangabandhu Satellite facilitates a wide range of communication services, including broadcasting, direct-to-home (DTH) television, telecommunications, and internet connectivity. It has a total of 40 transponders in total, providing enhanced capacity for various applications.
Coverage Area: The satellite’s coverage extends over Bangladesh and its surrounding regions, including the Bay of Bengal, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the Philippines etc. By all means, this expansive coverage ensures improved communication services and connectivity across a significant part of South Asia.
Capacity and Performance: The Bangabandhu Satellite has a total capacity of 1,600 megahertz (MHz). It offers a wide range of broadcasting and telecommunication services. Besides, it supports high-quality video broadcasting, telemedicine, e-learning, disaster management, and other critical applications.
Benefits & Impact on Connectivity
The Bangabandhu Satellite has had a profound impact on Bangladesh’s connectivity, fostering socioeconomic development and empowering its citizens. Here are some notable benefits:
Enhanced Internet Connectivity: Certainly the satellite has played a crucial role in expanding internet connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas. It has enabled internet service providers to reach previously under served regions. It allows more people to access the digital world and its benefits.
Broadcasting and Direct-to-Home Television: The Bangabandhu Satellite has significantly improved television broadcasting services, including high-definition (HD) channels and DTH television. It has enabled viewers to access a diverse range of local and international channels, expanding their choices and providing a richer television experience.
Telemedicine and E-Learning: The satellite’s capacity and coverage have facilitated telemedicine initiatives, connecting doctors and patients in remote areas. It has also supported e-learning platforms, enabling students to access educational resources. It has encouraged to participate in online courses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disaster Management and Communication: The Bangabandhu Satellite has bolstered Bangladesh’s disaster management capabilities by facilitating rapid and efficient communication during emergencies. It has improved coordination among relevant authorities, helping in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Cost Involvement of Bangabandhu Satellite
The Cabinet Purchase Committee approved Bangabandhu Satellite project on 21st Oct, 2015 to buy the satellite system.
Later, BTRC signed a deal with Thales Alenia Space to construct the first-ever satellite project involving around Tk 2,000 crore.
Bangabandhu-1 was launched into the orbital slot on 119.1 degree east longitude. This was bought from Russian satellite company ‘Intersputnik’ for US$ 28 million (around Tk218.96 crore) in January 2015.
The government of Bangladesh signed a loan agreement with Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) worth about Tk 1,400 crore in September 2016,
In last year May 2022, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) has claimed Bangabandhu-1 earned Tk 300 crore over last three years since its launch in 2018. The main reason behind not being able to generate more revenue is that it is yet to attract foreign buyers, as the international satellite bandwidth market is extremely competitive. BSCL chairman and CEO Shahjahan Mahmood said, “When we launched the Bangabandhu satellite, we were the 57th country in the world to have one. Now the number of countries has increased to 75 or 76. As a result, bandwidth supply on the market has increased substantially. As the demand is relatively low, we aren’t able to sell according to expectations,”
Conclusion
The Bangabandhu Satellite stands as a remarkable achievement for Bangladesh, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to progress, connectivity and digital empowerment. With its advanced features and wide coverage, the satellite has significantly enhanced internet connectivity, broadcasting services, telemedicine, e-learning, and disaster management capabilities. It has brought tangible benefits to both urban and rural communities, fostering socioeconomic development. As a matter of fact Bangladesh continues to harness the potential of satellite technology. The Bangabandhu Satellite will serve as a foundation for further advancements and innovations in the field of communication and connectivity.
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