The Indian military is set to receive a significant boost in its communication capabilities as the Ministry of Defense has accepted the necessity for the GSAT-7B. The GSAT-7B, which would function as a dedicated satellite for the Indian Army, will augment surveillance in border areas and streamline various elements of military communication.
GSAT-7B: A Game Changer for the Indian Army
The Indian Army’s current reliance on GSAT-7A and other satellites would lessen with the introduction of the GSAT-7B. This new state-of-the-art technology, also known as a military-grade satellite, promises thrilling advancements in terms of fail-safe communication support. While the specifics of the satellite remain confidential, it is expected to significantly bolster the Army’s communication and surveillance capabilities. The crucial role that such a satellite can play becomes even more evident considering the threats India faces from China and Pakistan at its borders. Furthermore, with the GSAT-7B, a range of radio communication equipment used by the Army could be integrated under a single platform.
Understanding the Role of the GSAT 7 Satellite Series
The GSAT 7 series, including GSAT 7 (Rukmini) and GSAT 7A (Angry Bird), were designed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to cater to the communication needs of the defence services. The GSAT 7 (Rukmini) fulfills a broad spectrum of military communication needs. It was launched from Kourou in French Guiana in August 2013 and is primarily used by the Navy. The GSAT 7 facilitates secure, real-time communication link between the Navy’s land establishments, surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. This capability owes to the payloads in Ultra-High Frequency (UHF), C-band and Ku-band that the satellite carries.
Impact of the GSAT 7A Satellite
Launched in 2018 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, the GSAT-7A plays an integral role in strengthening the interconnectivity between ground radar stations, airbases and the airborne early warning and control aircraft (AEW&C). The satellite also aids in the operations of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), offering more reliability compared to ground-controlled commands. A GSAT 7C satellite is expected to join the line-up soon, following a proposal approval by the DAC in 2021.
Variety in India’s Military Satellites
Apart from the GSAT series, India is the proud owner of other kinds of military satellites as well. These include the Electromagnetic Intelligence Gathering Satellite (EMISAT) launched in April 2020, which helps intercept ground-based radar and carry out electronic surveillance across various bordering countries. Additionally, there’s also a RISAT 2BR1 synthetic aperture radar imaging satellite which was launched in December 2019 from Sriharikota.
The Path Ahead: GSAT-7B and Beyond
The development and acceptance of the GSAT-7B satellite represents a significant stride for India in the field of space technology. However, to achieve near real-time imagery or electronic intelligence – crucial aspects of modern warfare – considerable work still lies ahead. With countries like China significantly ramping up their investments in space programs, the task becomes all the more challenging and urgent. As such, projects like GSAT-7B are not just progressive steps, but necessities in this technologically driven world.