India launches Military Communications Satellite GSAT-6

Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Patrol and Coast Guard will be now able to used small hand held devices for data, video or voice communication on secure networks.



The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) today launched its twenty-fifth home-made communications satellite in space using the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) that uses an Indian made cryogenic engine being tested for the third time.

The heavyweight Indian rocket weighs 416 tonnes and is nearly 50 meters tall.

The GSLV rocket is being powered using an Indian made cryogenic engine. Dubbed the 'naughty boy' this rocket has had a patchy record with less than half the flights being successful.

Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said "GSAT-6 carries one of the largest antennas we have built a 6 meter diameter antenna, the prime purpose is to make sure that communication can happen with smaller and smaller hand held devices whether it is for data, video or voice. The users for this will be the strategic sector as it gives a tremendous opportunity for using very small handheld devices in the remotest places."

In 2013, India had launched a dedicated communications satellite for the Indian Navy.

The 2,117 kg Indian-made satellite carries a very special giant antennae which will open up in space like an umbrella. The large antennae will help India's strategic forces to communicate with each other on secure lines using special small hand held devices. A capability most needed in today's modern network centric warfare.