_Website%20Banner.png)
Today, December 19th, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT 7A Spacecraft into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit atop their Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk. 2 (GSLV Mk.2). This launch vehicle produces about 1.8 million pounds of thrust to lift the rocket and the payload off the launch pad. This is the seventh launch of the GSLV rocket and the last launch of the year for the Indian Space Program. Liftoff occurred at 5:40am EST from the Second Launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India.
The GSAT 7A Spacecraft weighs in at 4,960 pounds (2,250 kilograms) and will be providing Ku Band communications over India for its 8 year lifespan. This satellite will serve the Indian Air Force by connecting ground stations for aircraft control. It will also help support Indian Air Force drone operations.