Here's why ISRO's GSAT-7A satellite is important for Indian Air Force

The GSAT-7A satellite may also control the IAF's unmanned aerial vehicles and drones and boost the global operations of the Air Force as well as drone operations.

GSLV-F11/GSAT-7A. Photo: ISRO

SRIHARIKOTA: ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle GSLV-F11 lifter off from here Wednesday carrying India's geostationary communication satellite GSAT-7A. The launch is important for the Indian Air Force as the GSAT-7A will substantially enhance its communication systems. The satellite will help the IAF to interlink ground radar stations, airbases and Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The GSAT-7A satellite may also control the IAF's unmanned aerial vehicles and drones and boost the global operations of the Air Force as well as drone operations. At 4.10 p.m. the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II, numbered GSLV-F11, by the Indian space agency, rose into the sky with a deep-throated growl, breaking free of its shackles. The rocket rapidly rushed towards the blue skies with a thick orange flame at its tail. The rocket will sling the GSAT-7A, weighing 2,250 kg, that would beef up the communication capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) over its eight-year life span. The GSLV is a three-stage/engine rocket. The core of first stage is fired with solid fuel while the four strap-on motors by liquid fuel. The second is the liquid fuel and the third is the cryogenic engine. Meanwhile, the Indian space agency is facing an increased demand for strategic satellites. "There is increased demand for satellites from strategic sectors. About six/seven satellites are planned to be built," a senior official of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) told IANS, preferring anonymity. The seventh launch of 2018 from Sriharikota marks the 69th mission of GSLV-F11 for ISRO. (With inputs from IANS)