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		<img align="" alt="ISRO's PSLV" class="imgCont" height="464" src="https://bsmedia.business-standard.com/_media/bs/img/article/2018-11/29/full/1543474142-3288.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #DDD; margin-right: 10px; padding: 1px; float: left; z-index: 0;" title="ISRO,  PSLV" width="620" />
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			India&#39;s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F11), carrying the GSAT-7A communication satellite, lifted off successfully from the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro)&#39;s spaceport at Sriharikota. The satellite will be used exclusively for military purposes.</div>
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			The rocket blasted off from Sriharikotta at 4.10 p.m. on Wednesday, after a 26-hour countdown that started on Tuesday at 2.10 p.m.</div>
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			The main passenger spacecraft weighing 2.2 tonnes will be placed in the geostationary orbit, making it Isro&#39;s 35th Communication satellite to be launched.</div>
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			The total cost of the GSAT-7A, which has an estimated life of about nine years, is pegged at Rs 6-8 billion, according to Isro sources.</div>
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			The satellite will enable the IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, airbases and AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) aircraft, such as Beriev A-50 Phalcon and DRDO AEW&CS. It will also also boost the Air Force&#39;s network-centric warfare capabilities and enhance its global operations.</div>
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			The GSAT-7A spacecraft is configured on Isro&rsquo;s standard I-2,000 Kg (I-2K) bus. It has been built to provide communication capabilities to users in Ku-band over Indian territory.</div>
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			GSAT-7A is also expected to give a major push to drone operations, as it would help the Navy reduce reliance on on-ground control stations and take satellite control of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This, say industry experts, should help boost the range and endurance of the UAVs.</div>
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			In addition to GSAT-7A, the IAF would also be getting the GSAT-7C in a few years, to boost the network-centric operations.</div>
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			The GSAT-7 series was launched in 2013 as a dedicated communications satellite for the Indian Navy, making it completely independent of foreign satellites.</div>
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			GSAT-7 currently has a 2,000-nautical mile footprint and provides real-time inputs to Indian warships, submarines and maritime aircraft.</div>
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			According to reports, India has 13 military satellites, most of which have remote-sensing capabilities, like the Cartosat-series and RISAT satellites placed in the near-earth orbit for better scanning of Earth.</div>
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			Other military satellites have been placed in the geostationary orbit, and are used for surveillance, navigation and communication by the armed forces.</div>
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The Satellite will enable interlinking of ground radar stations, airbases and AWACS aircraft, and boost IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities

GSLV-F11 successfully launches GSAT-7A military satellite, Isro's 35th

The Satellite will enable interlinking of ground radar stations, airbases and AWACS aircraft, and boost IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities