Sriharikota, November 2: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday successfully launched the Indian Navy’s communication satellite GSAT-7R (CMS-03) aboard its LVM3-M5 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking another major milestone for India’s space capabilities.
The satellite — India’s heaviest communication satellite to date, weighing about 4,400 kg — was placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit. Designed indigenously, CMS-03 will serve the Navy’s operational needs by strengthening space-based communications and enhancing maritime domain awareness across the Indian Ocean Region.
“This would be the most advanced communication satellite for the Indian Navy,” ISRO said. Equipped with multiple transponders, the satellite will enable secure voice, data, and video links between ships, submarines, aircraft, and maritime operations centres.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan said, “LVM3-M5 has successfully placed the satellite in orbit. Today’s mission has brought an important glory to India. All the vehicles and systems performed satisfactorily.” He added that the mission faced challenging weather conditions but was accomplished “in a grand manner.”
Mission Director T. Victor Joseph noted that ISRO achieved reignition of the cryogenic engine for the first time in this flight.
The 15-year mission is expected to provide robust and uninterrupted communication coverage for the Navy, further integrating India’s maritime and space capabilities.
The LVM3, a three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle, had previously carried Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon, making India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole.
