ISRO's GSAT-7A 35th communication satellite

GSLV-F11

On 19th Dec 2018, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle – F11 (GSLV-F11), will undertake its 13th flight, carrying the 35th Indian Communication satellite GSAT-7A built by the ISRO. It will be launched from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.

About GSAT-7A

The Satellite is built to provide communication capability to the users in Ku-band over the Indian region.The GSAT-7A incorporates chemical propulsion system to provide an operational mission life of a minimum of eight years. 

Significance:

It would enhance by many times the coverage now provided by ground communication systems such as radars and stations of the Army.Out-of-sight and remote areas where ground infrastructure and signals are difficult would get into the critical information loop.Although all Indian communication satellites offer capacity to the armed forces, GSAT-7A will be the first one built primarily for the IAF to qualitatively unify its assets and improve combined, common intelligence during operations. The satellite will enable the 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 also enhance Network-centric warfare capabilities of the Indian Air Force and therefore enhance its global operations.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.

Note: 

In addition to GSAT-7A, the IAF would also be getting the GSAT-7C in a few years, to boost the network-centric operations.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.

About GSLV-F11

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.

About Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)

A geosynchronous orbit is a high Earth orbit that allows satellites to match Earth's rotation. Located at 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth's equator, this position is a valuable spot for monitoring weather, communications and surveillance.The satellite orbits at the same speed that the Earth is turning, therefore the satellite seems to stay in place over a single longitude, though it may drift north to south.