Chennai: In what could probably be its last major operation of the year, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the communication satellite GSAT-7A on board the GSLV-F11 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota 19 December.
The satellite will weigh 2.2 tonnes and be launched by the geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV Mk II) rocket, ISRO said.
The communication satellite will be placed in the geostationary orbit and is expected to help the IAF interlink different ground radar stations, airbases and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. The satellite will also enhance network-centric warfare capabilities of the Indian Air Force and, therefore, improve its operations.
GSAT-7A is the 35th Indian communication satellite built by ISRO. The lifetime is estimated to be around nine years, ISRO sources said.
GSAT-7A is also expected to give a major push for drone operations as it would help the Navy reduce the reliance on on-ground control stations and take satellite-control of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which should help boost the range and endurance of the UAVs, said industry experts.
The GSAT-7 series was launched in 2013 as a dedicated communications satellite for the Indian Navy, which made the Navy completely independent of relying on foreign satellites.
FOURTH GEN
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. The second stage is equipped with high thrust engine using liquid fuel. The cryogenic upper stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle.