ISRO Successfully Launches GSAT-7A, Satellite Will Boost Air Force Communications

CHENNAI - The ISRO launched India’s geostationary communication satellite GSAT-7A onboard Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle GSLV-F11 from Sriharikota on Wednesday.

GSLV-F11 carrying 2,250kg GSAT-7A lifted off from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota.

Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Wednesday the launch would enhance the networking and communication capabilities of the Air Force.

“We have several platforms (aircrafts) which have capabilities of communication through satellite. The communication to the platform (aircrafts) through the satellite will be made possible with this launch,” he told reporters here.

The mission life of the GSAT-7A is eight years. It will provide communication capability to users in Ku-band over the Indian region, ISRO said.

The 26-hour countdown for the launch commenced at 2.10 pm on Tuesday.

The GSLV-F11 injected GSAT-7A into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and it will be placed in its final Geostationary Orbit using the onboard propulsion systems.

GSLV-F11 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 of the launch vehicle, while the second stage is equipped with high thrust engine using liquid fuel, the space agency said on its website.

The Cryogenic Upper Stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle.

The seventh launch of 2018 from Sriharikota marks the 69th mission of GSLV-F11 for ISRO.