The Indian Air Force's (IAF) long pending dedicated communications GSAT-7A satellite is set to radically transform the country's network-centric warfare capabilities, as it will be able to accomplish all communication-related tasks, whether standalone or network-dependent, that are part of defence preparedness and operations.
In a major boost to network-capable surveillance capacity of the IAF, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a dedicated communications satellite, the GSAT-7A, on Wednesday. The force has long been looking to develop and launch such a communications device, as it is considered crucial for its Network-Centric Warfare Program. The satellite was indigenously developed at a cost of around $85 million.
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India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), in its 13th flight, launched the 2250 kg operational communication satellite from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) of Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. It will take a few days for the satellite, after separation from the launch vehicle, to reach its orbital slot.
The GSAT-7A is equipped with Ku-band transponders and two deployable solar array power units. It will assist the IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, airbases and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft. The satellite will be…
