# GSAT-7A

> Indian military communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q18922584](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18922584)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GSAT-7A)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gsat-7a

## Summary
GSAT-7A is an Indian military communications satellite launched in 2018. It is part of India's geostationary satellite fleet and was designed to support secure communications for the Indian Air Force and Army. The satellite was launched using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV-F11) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Communications satellite and geostationary satellite
- **Launch Date**: December 19, 2018, at 10:40 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV-F11)
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad
- **Operator**: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- **Country of Origin**: India
- **Mass**: 2,250 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 3,300 watts
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Service Life**: 8 years (design life)
- **Users**: Indian Air Force and Indian Army
- **Spacecraft Bus**: I-2K
- **Preceded by**: GSAT-11

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of GSAT-7A?
A: GSAT-7A is a military communications satellite designed to provide secure and reliable communication links for the Indian Air Force and Army.

### Q: How was GSAT-7A launched?
A: GSAT-7A was launched on December 19, 2018, using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV-F11) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad.

### Q: What is the design life of GSAT-7A?
A: The satellite has a design life of 8 years, during which it is expected to provide continuous service.

### Q: Who operates GSAT-7A?
A: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) operates GSAT-7A.

### Q: What type of orbit does GSAT-7A use?
A: GSAT-7A is in a geostationary orbit, which allows it to remain stationary relative to the Earth's surface.

## Why It Matters
GSAT-7A plays a crucial role in India's military communications infrastructure by providing secure and reliable satellite-based communication links. As part of India's growing geostationary satellite fleet, GSAT-7A supports the Indian Air Force and Army in various operational and strategic missions. Its launch and deployment mark a significant achievement for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in advancing India's space capabilities. The satellite's design life of 8 years ensures sustained service, contributing to national defense and security. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, GSAT-7A enhances India's ability to maintain communication networks in challenging environments and during emergencies.

## Notable For
- **Military Communications**: GSAT-7A is specifically designed for secure military communications, supporting the Indian Air Force and Army.
- **Geostationary Orbit**: It is the first of its kind in India's geostationary satellite fleet, providing continuous coverage.
- **ISRO Achievement**: The successful launch and deployment of GSAT-7A demonstrate ISRO's capability in developing and operating advanced communications satellites.
- **National Security**: The satellite enhances India's national security by ensuring reliable communication links for defense forces.
- **Technological Advancement**: GSAT-7A incorporates state-of-the-art technology, including a spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 3,300 watts, ensuring robust power supply.

## Body
### Overview
GSAT-7A is an Indian military communications satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It was launched on December 19, 2018, using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV-F11) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad. The satellite is part of India's geostationary satellite fleet and is designed to support secure communications for the Indian Air Force and Army.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 2,250 kilograms (launch weight)
- **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array with a capacity of 3,300 watts
- **Orbit**: Geostationary orbit
- **Service Life**: 8 years (design life)
- **Spacecraft Bus**: I-2K

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch Date**: December 19, 2018, at 10:40 UTC
- **Launch Vehicle**: GSLV-F11
- **Launch Site**: Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad

### Users and Applications
- **Users**: Indian Air Force and Indian Army
- **Applications**: Secure military communications

### Significance
GSAT-7A is a significant achievement for ISRO, demonstrating the organization's capability in developing and operating advanced communications satellites. The satellite's deployment enhances India's national security by providing reliable communication links for defense forces. It is part of India's growing geostationary satellite fleet, contributing to the country's space capabilities and technological advancements.

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## References

1. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/launchers/list-of-gslv-launches)
2. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/gsat-7a.htm)
3. [Source](https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/gsat-7a/)
4. Jonathan's Space Report
5. [Source](https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/GSLV-F11_GSAT-7A_Broucher-A5_Size.cdr.pdf)