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Insat-3A’s deployment operations completed
MUMBAI: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (Isro) Insat-3A satellite’s solar array and the two Antennas have been deployed. This follows the succesful placement of the next generation multi-purpose satellite in its geostationary orbit on Monday.
In the first operation, managed from Isro’s Master Control Facility in Hassan, Karnataka, the solar array on the south side of the satellite was deployed in two stages. The main solar panels were deployed yesterday 10:40 am (IST), followed by the deployment of two side panels. Then, the antenna reflector on the west side of the satellite was deployed at 11:30 am and finally the antenna reflector on the east side was deployed at 12:15 pm.
The Sun-tracking solar array of Insat-3A has a total area of 26.6 sq m and it is designed to generate 3.1 kW of power in orbit. The satellite has two deployable antennas and one fixed antenna to carry out various transmit and receive functions.
Earlier in the day (6 am), the three-axis stabilization of Insat-3A was carried out. In this configuration, the spacecraft will be locked to Earth continuously through the optical sensors, and will maintain the correct attitude to look at the Earth in a stable manner. The Momentum Wheels onboard the satellite were switched ON and stabilized to the nominal speed of 4500 revolutions per minute to provide gyroscopic stiffness and facilitate 3-axis stabilization.
The deployment of the Solar Sail/Boom on the north side of the satellite was carried out shortly after the 3-axis stabilization of the satellite.
With this, all the deployment operations have been completed.
The health of INSAT-3A is normal. The satellite is now located at 87.4 deg East longitude and is moving towards its designated orbital slot of 93.5 deg East longitude.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
