Indian Navy’s tryst with a dedicated Defence communication satellite began on 30th August 2013 with the successful launch of GSAT - 7 by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from French Guiana under the project christened “Project Rukmani”. With this landmark event, Indian Navy joined the elite group of Navies that possess the capability to conduct operations using dedicated communication satellites.
The evolutionary journey of Project Rukmani began on 29th March, 2006 when the Indian Navy and ISRO entered into a cooperation with each other to realise a comprehensive indigenous Satellite Communication (SATCOM) capability that is not only secure but also covers the Primary Area of Interest in the Maritime Domain. The project was progressed on turnkey basis and progressively saw the induction of ground segment prior to launch of the satellite on August 2013. Post 2013 the launch of the GSAT-7 satellite (space segment) all eleven transponders underwent ‘In Orbit Testing (IOT)’ leading to successful migration of the naval units to the GSAT-7 domain in December 2013. The reach of GSAT-7 has had a profound impact on the tempo of naval operations which was amply visible in the theatre level exercise.
Rukmani provides a multi-band SATCOM capability on UHF, S, C and Ku to surface, sub-surface and air assets of Indian Navy in various combinations. With this capability, near real time communication is feasible over voice, video and data applications. GSAT-7, a specially configured satellite, has the maritime footprint spanning almost entire Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to effectively meet the strategic communication needs. Adequate geo-redundancies have been dovetailed in the operational ethos, wherein the operations are controlled and optimised through hubs in one plus one geo-redundant hot stand by regime.
Whilst Project Rukmani has heralded Indian Navy into a new era of indigenous SATCOM communications, the prognosis is that in times to come , and as the full capability is realised, the impact will be that of a true force multiplier. Custom- made for the Navy by the ISRO, the advanced multi-band GSAT-7 is the most advanced communication satellite capable of providing a wide range of service spectrum from low bit rate voice to high bit rate data communication. Designed to modernise communications among naval ships as well as intelligence survey, Rukmani will also help the Navy keep a vigilant eye over both Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
Department of Posts is pleased to release a commemorative postage stamp on “Project Rukmani”.
Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India