GSAT-7 will boost the communication capabilities of defence forces, especially the Indian Air Force (IAF).ISRO ends 2018 with seven successful space launches from India’s spaceport, tying a record set in 2016 for the most Indian space launches in a year.
SRIHARIKOTA: India has successfully launched a military communication satellite from the Satish Dhawan space center on the eastern island of Sriharikota.
The mission life of the GSAT-7A, built by the ISRO, is 8 years. It will provide communication capability to users in Ku-band over the Indian region, the space agency said.
GSAT-7 will boost the communication capabilities of defence forces, especially the Indian Air Force (IAF).A communication satellite enables live feed and can connect aircraft flying hundreds of miles away.
The GSAT-7A, along with the earlier GSAT-7 and GSAT-6, will form the band of communications satellite for use of the security forces.
The crew upgraded GSAT-7A, which weighs nearly 5,000lbs, to include an extra engine for the second stage of the rocket.
K. Sivan, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization, confirmed the successful outcome of the mission in remarks at the launch control center.
The satellite also helps in enhancing Network-centric warfare capabilities and global operations. Indian Army’s Aviation Corps will also be using the GSAT-7A satellite for its helicopters and UAV’s operations.
After the successful launch of the satellite meant for the IAF, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said the launch would enhance the networking and communication capabilities of the Air Force.