ISRO launched GSAT-7A successfully on 19-12-2018

ISRO launched GSAT-7A successfully 

ISRO launched yet another satellite on 19-12-2018 at 4:10 pm .ISRO launched satellite GSAT-7A , using Geosynchronous Satellite launch vehicle (GSLV-F11) from Satish Dhawan Space center at Shriharikota.

Total weight of GSAT-7A is 2250 Kg. GSLV injected satellite in Geosynchronous transfer orbit(GTO), 19 minutes after launch at  a distance of 170.8 km X 39127 km which is very near to intended orbit.

In the next few days, scientists at Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka will perform various orbit-raising manoeuvres, using GSAT-7A’s onboard propulsion system, to place the satellite in its final geostationary orbit.

IOT(Internet of Things), Does technologies shown in Hollywood going to be a reality

Highlight of Launch

As per ISRO chairman Dr. K.Sivan , GSAT-7A is the heaviest satellite being launched by GSLV with an indigenously developed cryogenic stage. GSAT-7A is the 39th Indian communication satellite of ISRO to provide services to the users in Ku-band over the Indian region. GSAT-7A is an advanced communication satellite with a Gregorian Antenna and many other new technologies. 

ISRO’s  2^nd  Launch in December 2018

This is second communication satellite launched by ISRO in the month of December. On Dec 5,2018, ISRO launched its heaviest satellite GSAT-11  from French Guiana by Ariene-5 VA-246 weighing about 5854 Kg. GSAT-11 is the fore-runner in the series of advanced communication satellites with multi-spot beam antenna coverage over Indian mainland and Islands

Hyper-Spectral Imaging Satellite (HysIS), Launch by ISRO

What is Ku band?

In Ku-Band frequency ranges from 11Ghz-18Ghz. It is used in Ku Band VSAT. Here Ku band uplink frequency used is from 14 to 14.5 GHz and downlink frequency used is from 10.95 GHz to 11.7 GHz. 

It is used for fixed satellite broadcast services. Different countries use different frequencies in the band depending the environmental conditions of the country.

It is of great importance for communication in interior areas amid densed forest or deserts where any other means of communication is not available.

Small antennas used for communication to satellite as the wavelength in Ku band is very small in centimeters.

Advantage of Ku Band

A main benefit of Ku band over lower frequency microwave bands is that the shorter wavelengths allow sufficient angular resolution to separate the signals of different communication satellites to be achieved with smaller terrestrial

Milestone for ISRO

Year 2018 has become a milestone for ISRO. This was 7^th launch from Satish Dhawan Space center in the year 2018 and 3 rd launch within 35 days . On 29^th November ISRO launched INDIA’s first HysIS , GSAT-11 on 5^th December and GSAT-7A on 19.12.18 .Thus ending 2018 n a positive note.

ISRO’s Commercial Launch

 ISRO’s commercial arm ANTRIX deals with the commercial launch of satellites belonging to other countries and private firms. In June 2017 ISRO made record by launching 104 satellites with its polar satellite launch vehicle PSLV-C37. Earlier Chandrayaan mission of ISRO caught limelight with its low cost launch in 2008.

What is the significance?

Indian territory consists of variety of terrain , near International borders touching mainly China and Pakistan . In the Himalayan snowfield and dense forests communication is always a roadblock for Indian army. Recent launches of communication Satellites by ISRO will definitely strengthen communication facilities to Indian armed forces.

Source and Image: Official website of ISRO