ISRO Launches GSAT-7A for IAF

The military communications satellite will provide the IAF with a robust communication capability over the Ku-band frequency

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on December 19, launched the GSAT 7A military communication satellite for the Indian Air Force from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. The GSAT 7A was launched using ISRO’s geosynchronous satellite launch vehicle (GSLV Mk II).




The GSAT 7A weighed 2,250 kg and was injected into a geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO) by the GSLV Mk II about 19 minutes after lift-off. Then the satellite was then lifted to its final geostationary orbit from GTO. The satellite has a maximum life of 8 years and will be provide the IAF with a robust communication capability over the Ku-band frequency. The GSAT-7A, coupled with the previously launched GSAT-7 and GSAT-6 will form the band of communication satellites for military use. India already has a battery of CartoSat earth-imaging satellites along with a RadarSAT and Hyperspectral Imaging Satellite.

Recently, the Ministry of Defence cleared a plan to set up a special “Defence Space Agency”. This agency would be an integrated tri-services unit that will use all Indian space assets for the benefit of the armed forces.