Chennai: To boost Indian Air Force and other armed forces, the Indian Space Research Organisation will launch GSAT-7A, an advanced communication satellite from Sriharikota on December 19.
GSLV-F11, the GSLV-Mk II rocket, will place a 2,250kg communication satellite into the temporary orbit from where the satellite will be taken to the intended circular orbit by firing the onboard propulsion system.
The launch will take place from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. It will be the third launch from the spaceport in just over a month as it launched GSLV-Mk III rocket and PSLV-C43 rocket placing GSAT-29 and HysIS and 29 nanosatellites respectively.
The satellite is expected to help the IAF interlink different ground radar stations, airbases and AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) aircraft and likely to enhance its global operations.
Experts said the Ku band capability of the satellite will give a major push for drones as it would help the Navy reduce the reliance on on-ground control stations while improving the range and endurance of UAVs.
GSAT-7A is the 35th communication satellite built by Isro. The GSAT-7A spacecraft is configured on Isro's standard I-2,000 Kg (I-2K) bus. It will give the communication capability to the users over Indian region.
The GSAT 7 satellite was the first fully dedicated military communication satellite. It was launched to enable the Indian Navy to extend its blue water capabilities. It also provides real-time inputs to Indian warships and submarines.
GSLV- F11 rocket is ISRO's fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages. The four liquid strap-ons and a solid rocket motor at the core form the first stage. The second stage is equipped with a high thrust engine using liquid fuel. The Cryogenic Upper Stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle.
