NEW DELHI: India's advanced multi-band communication satellite GSAT-7, launched from Kourou, French Guyana in the early hours of 30 August and now has been successfully placed in the Geosynchronous Orbit with an altitude of about 36,000 km above Earth's surface yesterday (3 September) morning, after successfully completing the last of the three orbit-raising maneuvers commanded from ISRO`s Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan.

Later in the day, the communication antennae of GSAT-7, including the UHF Helix antenna, were deployed successfully. Following this, GSAT-7 was put in its final orbital configuration, stabilised on its three-axis by the momentum wheels.

The GSAT-7 Satellite would reach its assigned orbital slot of 74 degree East longitude in the Geostationary Orbit within the next 10 days.

On 14 September, the communication transponders in UHF, S, C and Ku bands are planned to be switched on.

Based on current availability of hardware and components, the GSLV Vehicle assembly and checkout is expected to be completed at the Vehicle Assembly Building by the first week of December 2013 and the launch could take place by December 2013.