ISRO’S GSLV-F11/GSAT-7A Mission Successful

Prelims level : Space Mains level : GS 3: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
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Context:

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sucessfully placed GSAT-7A, the second communication satellite meant primarily for military applications in orbit.

Details:

  • GSLV-F11 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) carrying the satellite lifted off from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
  • It was the 13th flight of GSLV Mark II and the seventh flight with an indigenous cryogenic engine.
  • Around 19 minutes after take-off, the three-stage launcher ejected the satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit.
  • In the coming days, the satellite will be moved to its final geostationary orbital slot at an altitude of around 35,000km by firing its onboard chemical propulsion system.
  • Gsat-7A, the 39th communication satellite of Isro, has communication capabilities to users in Ku-band over the Indian region.
  • Gsat-7A is expected to interlink all ground-based radars, airbases and airborne early warning and control aircraft for surveillance, maintain air superiority, gather intelligence by detecting aircraft, vessels and other vehicles in long range.

About the satellite:

  • 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.
  • The GSAT-7A incorporates chemical propulsion system to provide an operational mission life of a minimum of eight years.
  • Chemical propulsion will be used for orbit raising as well as for on orbit attitude correction operations.
  • Sufficient redundancy is built into the Spacecraft for continued service.
  • It is an advanced military communications satellite meant exclusively for the Indian Air force.
  • GSAT-7A is similar to Indian navy’s GSAT-7 and the Indian Air Force will be the sole operator of the satellite.
  • It will qualitatively unify its assets and improve combined, common intelligence during operations
  • GSAT-7A will enable IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, ground airbase and Airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft such as Beriev A-50 Phalcon and DRDO AEW&CS.
  • The satellite will enhance Network-centric warfare capabilities of the Indian Air Force and therefore enhance its global operations. The satellite will also be used by Indian Army’s Aviation Corps for its helicopters and UAV’s operations.
  • It will support aerial activities of the Army and the Navy wherever required
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