Military Communication Satellite GSAT-7A successfully launched by ISRO

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the communication satellite GSAT-7A on 19th December 2018 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. GSAT-7A weighing 2250 kg was launched using Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F11).

About GSAT-7A Satellite:

• ISRO’s GSAT-7A satellite is the heaviest satellite (2250 kgs) with an indigenously developed cryogenic stage that has been launched by GSLV.
• GSAT-7A is a high-tech communication satellite having new technologies including a Gregorian Antenna.
• It is the 39th communication satellite of ISRO and will mainly be used for military applications. Indian Air Force’s existing communication capabilities of satellites will be augmented with GSAT-7A
• GSAT-7A will offer services to the users in Ku-band over the Indian region.

The launch of GSAT-7A was the 13th flight of GSLV-MkII and the seventh flight with an indigenously developed cryogenic engine. GSAT-7A was lifted off by GSLV which is ISRO’s fourth generation launch vehicle with three stages. The first stage consists of four liquid strap-ons and a solid rocket motor. The second stage of GSLV has a high thrust engine using liquid fuel. The third and final stage of the GSLV is the cryogenic upper stage.