AHMEDABAD: After taking over as director, Space Applications Centre (SAC), D K Das flagged off GSAT-7A payload, from ISRO’s Bhopal facility recently. The payload will piggy back on the GSLV this year.

The GSAT-7A satellite, is an advanced communications satellite and is dedicated to the Indian Air Force, which will add more air power and give the air force additional strategic communication capabilities.

GSAT-7A will enable the Air Force link various ground radar stations, ground airbase and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system. Another satellite in the series GSAT-7 which was launched is September 2013 is currently being used by the Indian Navy. The GSAT-7 is a multi-band communication satellite and helps the Indian Navy extend its blue water capabilities and stop relying on foreign satellites like Inmarsat.