The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch India’s heaviest communication satellite, GSAT-7R (CMS-03), for the Indian Navy on Sunday, November 2, evening. Weighing over 4,400 kg, the indigenously developed satellite will lift off at 5:26 p.m. from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch will be carried live on ISRO’s official YouTube channel.
CMS-03 is designed to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s space-based communication and maritime domain awareness. The Navy stated that the satellite incorporates several indigenous, state-of-the-art components tailored to meet its operational requirements. As a multi-band communication satellite, CMS-03 will provide secure and wide-ranging coverage across the Indian landmass and surrounding oceanic regions.
The mission will be carried out using the LVM3 launch vehicle, the same rocket that successfully placed the Chandrayaan-3 mission on course to the Moon’s South Pole. This launch marks the fifth operational flight of the LVM3, reinforcing its role as a reliable heavy-lift vehicle in India’s space missions.
