The Correct Answer is August 2013. Explanation & Key Takeaways: • GSAT-7 is a satellite for multi-band military communications developed by ISRO. • The Indian Navy is the operator of the spacecraft for multi-band communication that has been in service since September 2013. • The satellite would allow the navy to improve its blue water capabilities and stop relying on foreign satellites such as Inmarsat, which provide its ships with communication services. • The multi-band communication satellite GSAT-7, called Rukmini, carries UHF, C and Ku band payloads. • It is the first dedicated military communication satellite designed by ISRO (as opposed to previous dual-use satellites) that will provide services to the Indian defence forces, with the Indian Navy being the main customer. • Early on 30 August 2013, the satellite was launched atop an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from Kourou, French Guiana. • On June 11, 2019, the Indian Navy placed an order for the GSAT-7R. GSAT-7R, which will eventually replace GSAT-7, is scheduled to be launched in 2020.