GSAT-7C

GSAT-7C
Mission typeCommunication
OperatorIndian Air Force
Spacecraft properties
ManufacturerU R Rao Satellite Centre
Start of mission
Launch date2027 or 2028
RocketGSLV
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric orbit
RegimeGeostationary orbit
← GSAT-7R
GSAT-7B →

GSAT-7C (Geosynchronous satellite 7C) is a planned Indian military communication satellite for the Indian Air Force, as part of the GSAT series.

History

On 23 November 2021, the Defence Acquisition Council under the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) of the satellite project. The project is worth ₹2,236 crore (equivalent to ₹27 billion or US$280 million in 2026). The funds were allocated for the development of the satellite and ground hubs for real-time connectivity of software defined radios. Complete design, development, and launching of the satellite will be in India.

It will be based on ISRO's I-2000 kg (I-2K) Bus. The ₹2,563 crore (US$270 million) contract to manufacture and launch the satellite was signed with NSIL on 15 October 2026 with the satellite expected to become operational by 2030s.

Satellite

The satellite will allow beyond the line of sight communications for the Indian Armed Forces to use their BNET SDRs. It's different from other GSAT military satellites because it will be dedicated to secure link software-defined radio communications only. GSAT-7, is a series of satellites developed by Indian Space Research Organisation for the use of Indian Armed Forces. Two satellites in this series are currently functional (7 and 7A) and three more (7R, 7B, and 7C) are planned. The satellite is expected to be launched using a GSLV Mk II rocket. On 15 October 2026, Ministry of Defence signed a contract with NSIL worth ₹2,563 crore (US$270 million) for GSAT-7C satellite.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "IAF to get first dedicated communications satellite GSAT-7C, to be operational by 2030". The Print. Retrieved 15 October 2026.
  2. ↑ Bureau of News, Hindu (2026-10-15). "MoD signs ₹4,106-crore contracts for IAF communication satellite, Navy torpedoes". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2026-10-20.
  3. ↑ "Defence ministry clears proposal for GSAT-7C satellite for IAF: A look at other military satellites in India". Firstpost. 24 November 2021. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
  4. ↑ IANS. "Govt approves proposal for GSAT-7C satellite for Air Force". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
  5. ↑ "India clears air force procurement of GSAT-7C satellite". Default. 2021-11-24. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
  6. ↑ "MoD inks Rs 4,106 crore contracts for GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 2026-10-15. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
  7. ↑ Pillai, Snehesh Alex Philip, Soumya (2026-10-15). "IAF to get first dedicated communications satellite GSAT-7C, to be operational by 2030". ThePrint. Retrieved 2026-10-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ Rana, Javaria (2026-10-15). "IAF to get second satellite, Navy more Varunastra torpedoes in Rs 4,106 crore deals". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2026-10-16.
  9. 1 2 "MoD inks Rs 4,106 crore contracts for GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes". PIB India. 15 October 2026. Retrieved 15 October 2026.
  10. ↑ "Explained, the strategic importance of GSAT 7C". www.defencexp.com. Retrieved 19 October 2023.