GSLV-F11 Successfully Launched GSAT-7A for Air Force’s Communication Purposes

GSAT-7A, an advanced communication satellite with a Gregorian Antenna and many other new technologies, was launched successfully from Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F11) of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota on Wednesday 19 December 2018. This is expected to add a new space-based dimension to the way Indian Air Force interlinks, operates and communicates with its aircraft as they fly and with command centres on ground. The satellite, being dubbed as ‘angry bird’ by some, is likely to enhance the range of communication and also aid in aircraft to aircraft communication.

Although all Indian Communication Satellites offer capacity to the armed forces, GSAT-7A is the first one built primarily for the IAF to qualitatively unify its assets and improve combined, common intelligence during operations. With integrated action being a buzzword it will also support aerial activities of the Army and the Navy where required.

• GSLV-F11 lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at SDSC at 04:10 pm IST,
• GSAT-7A was injected into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) of 170.8 km x 39127 km which is very close to the intended orbit, after 19 minutes of the launch.
• Soon after the separation of the satellite, ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka took over the command and control of GSAT-7A.
• In the next few days, scientists at MCF will perform various orbit-raising manoeuvres, using GSAT-7A’s on-board propulsion system, to place the satellite in its final geostationary orbit.

ISRO Chairman K. Sivan watched flight path of the GSLV-F11 as it soared into the evening sky carrying 2250 kg Communication Satellite GSAT-7A.

• GSAT-7A is the heaviest satellite launched by GSLV with an indigenously developed cryogenic stage.
• Cryogenic stage of this vehicle has been modified to increase the thrust rate.
• GSLV is ISRO’s fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages:
  • First stage: Four liquid strap-ons and a solid rocket motor at the core.
  • Second stage: Is equipped with a high thrust engine using liquid fuel.
  • Third stage: Cryogenic upper stage.
• GSLV-F11 was the seventh flight carrying indigenously developed cryogenic upper stage.

Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said that the launch of satellite GSAT-7A would enhance the networking and communication capabilities of the Air Force. The satellite is expected to enable the force to interlink different ground radar stations, ground airbase and airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft. “We have several platforms (aircraft) which have capabilities of communication through satellite. The communication to the platform (aircraft) through the satellite will be made possible with this launch.”