GSAT-7A

Last updated
GSAT-7A
GSAT-7A in delpoyed configuration.png
Mission type Communications
Operator Indian Air Force
Indian Army [1]
COSPAR ID 2018-105A OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
SATCAT no. 43864 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Mission durationPlanned: 8 years
Elapsed: 5 years, 10 months, 2 days
Spacecraft properties
Bus I-2K
Manufacturer ISRO Satellite Centre
Space Applications Centre
Launch mass2,250 kilograms (4,960 lb)
Power3.3 kilowatts [2]
Start of mission
Launch date19 December 2018
10:40 UTC [3]
Rocket GSLV Mk.II F11
Launch site Satish Dhawan SLP
Contractor ISRO
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric
Regime Geostationary
Slot63°E [4]
Transponders
Band Ku band
Coverage areaIndia
  GSAT-11
GSAT-31  

GSAT-7A is an advanced military communications satellite meant primarily for the Indian Air Force with Indian Army using 30% of capacity. [5]

Contents

Overview

GSAT-7A allows IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, ground airbase, aircraft to aircraft Real-time Control System, AEW&C aircraft such as Beriev A-50-based Phalcon and DRDO Netra. The satellite enhances network-centric warfare capabilities of the Indian Air Force and its global operations. [6] [7] The satellite is also used by Indian Army's Aviation Corps for real-time control and communication of its aviation operations. [1] [8] [9] India is in the process of acquiring high-altitude long endurance satellite-controlled UAVs, such as American armed MQ-9B Predator drones, that can fire at enemy targets from long distances. [7] [10]

As of December 2018, there are 320 dual use or dedicated military satellite in the sky, half of which are owned by the United States, followed by Russia, China and India (14). [7] To boost its network-centric operations, the IAF is also likely to get another satellite GSAT-7C within a few years. [7]

The GSAT-7A, with a mission life of 8 years, is also equipped with the payload of 10 Ku band transponders, [6] which offers several advantages over c-band, such more powerful satellite uplink and downlink signals, smaller antennas, and non-interference of communication signals with terrestrial microwave systems.

Payload: [11] [12] [13]

Launch

GSAT-7A weighing 2,250 kilograms (4,960 lb) was successfully launched on 19 December 2018 by GSLV Mk II F11 rocket from Second Launch Pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre. [14] This three-stage launch vehicle 51 meters tall, has a lift-off mass of about 421 tonnes and indigenously developed cryogenic stage. [6] [15]

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

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  6. 1 2 3 Chandrayaan-2 on track, 32 missions next year: ISRO, Indian Express, 20 Dec 2018.
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