ISRO set to launch communication satellite GSAT-7A soon

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the country’s geostationary communication satellite GSAT-7A from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

The GSAT-7A satellite, which will give a boost to the defence forces’ communication capabilities, will be launched today at 4.10 pm from the second launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The satellite will be carried by the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F11 (GSLV-F11), Isro’s 35th communication satellite and the 13th flight of the GSLV rocket to orbit.

The mission life of the GSAT-7A is eight years. “It will provide communication capability to users in Ku-band over the Indian region,” the ISRO said.

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 of the launch vehicle, while the second stage is equipped with high thrust engine using liquid fuel, the space agency said on its website.

The Cryogenic Upper Stage forms the third and final stage of the vehicle. Notably, the seventh launch of 2018 from Sriharikota marks the 69th mission of GSLV-F11 for ISRO.

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