GSAT-7A Launched

• 20 Dec 2018

Indian Space and Research Organization (ISRO) has recently launched communication satellite GSAT-7A onboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F-11 (GSLV F-11).

• GSLV F-11 is the seventh flight of GSLV Mk-II and is equipped with indigenously developed cryogenic upper stage engine.
• The satellite is nicknamed as ‘angry bird’ as it will enhance Indian Air Force (IAF) capabilities.
• It is heaviest satellite launch in GSLV’s Mk-II version launch vehicle.
• In September 2013, Isro launched GSAT-7 (Rukmini), a communication satellite exclusively for Navy to monitor Indian Ocean Region up to 2,000 nautical miles and provide real-time inputs to Indian warships, submarines, and maritime aircraft.

Significance

• The satellite will give a boost to the strategic communication and networking capabilities of the IAF.
• GSAT-7A will enable superior real-time aircraft-to-aircraft communication and between aircraft and base station.
• GSAT-7A is expected to boost the IAF’s network-centric warfare capabilities by interlinking all ground-based radars, airborne early warning and control aircraft for surveillance, maintain air superiority, gather intelligence by detecting aircraft, vessels and other vehicles in long range.

GSAT-7A

• Weight: 2250 Kg
• Orbit: Super Synchronous Orbit (Orbit beyond Geosynchronous Orbit)
• Mission Life: 8 years
• GSAT-7A is the 35th communication satellite built by ISRO.
• GSAT-7A is an advanced communication satellite with a Gregorian Antenna.
• The satellite will operate in the Ku band (This frequency range is often used for satellite communications).