New Delhi: A military communications satellite that will enable the Indian Air Force to interlink different ground radar stations, airbases and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft was launched by ISRO on Wednesday.
 

Here’s all you need to know about the satellite that is crucial for the Air Force
 

  • GSLV-F11 (GSLV Mk II) rocket will launch GSAT-7A satellite from the second launch pad at Sriharikota at 4:10 PM on Wednesday.
     
  • The 2,250-kilogram geostationary communication satellite will give a boost to the defence forces' communication capabilities.
     
  • GSAT-7A will provide communication services in Ku Band over the Indian region.
     
  • "This is a sophisticated satellite made to the specifications of the user and it can even help connect with handheld devices, flying objects even in remotest of places," ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan told NDTV.
     
  • Though the first stage will take place within 20 minutes of the lift-off, it might take one or two days after separation from the launcher to reach its final orbital stage.
     
  • This heavyweight communication satellite will provide vital data for hi-tech communication in strategic fields.
     
  • The satellite will not only interlink airbases but also boost drone operations.
     
  • It will also improve the accuracy of its precision-guided weapons.
     
  • The communication satellite costs around Rs 500-800 crore.
     
  • ISRO said that the mission life of the GSAT-7A is eight years.
     
  • This is the 17th mission for ISRO this year.