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ISRO's LVM3 rocket launching the CMS-03 satellite

ISRO to Launch India’s Heaviest Communication Satellite CMS-03

Analysis Date: November 01, 2025

Why in News?

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch India’s heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
  • The launch will use Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), India’s most powerful operational rocket.

About CMS-03 (GSAT-7R)

  • CMS-03 is a multi-band military communication satellite developed by ISRO.
  • It will provide secure voice, data, and video communication for the Indian Armed Forces, especially the Indian Navy.
  • The satellite operates across C, Extended C, and Ku frequency bands.
  • It is designed to cover a wide oceanic and land region, ensuring connectivity from the mainland to distant maritime zones.
  • Apart from defence, it will also support civilian communication and improve digital access in remote areas.
  • The satellite weighs around 4,000 kg, making it India’s heaviest communication satellite ever launched.

Mission at a Glance

LVM3-M5
Launch Vehicle
~4,000 kg
Satellite Weight
Indian Navy
Primary User

Significance of the Mission

  • Enhances strategic communication capability of the Indian Navy and other defence agencies.
  • Supports high-capacity bandwidth for both military and civilian operations.
  • Strengthens India’s maritime domain awareness and real-time coordination of naval operations.
  • Reflects India’s self-reliance in space technology under the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Contributes to the goals of Digital India and improved national communication infrastructure.

About the Launch Vehicle – LVM3

  • The Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3), also known as GSLV Mk III, is India’s heaviest and most powerful rocket.
  • It can carry payloads up to 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
  • The LVM3 has previously launched major missions such as Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first country to land near the lunar south pole.
  • The LVM3-M5 mission marks the fifth operational flight of the rocket.
  • The 24-hour countdown for the launch began yesterday evening, with final checks completed by ISRO scientists.

Key Capabilities

Multi-Band

C, Extended C, Ku

Secure Comms

Voice, Data, Video

Maritime Coverage

Oceanic Zones

Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Self-Reliance

Strategic and Technological Importance

  • Boosts secure defence communications over land and sea.
  • Enhances India’s indigenous satellite and launch capabilities.
  • Expands connectivity in border and oceanic regions.
  • Strengthens India’s position as a space power in the global communication sector.

Quick Facts

Satellite Name CMS-03 (GSAT-7R)
Launch Vehicle LVM3-M5
Launch Site Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Weight Around 4,000 kg
Frequency Bands C, Extended C, Ku
Purpose Defence and civilian communication
Primary Beneficiary Indian Navy
Significance Strengthens national security and digital connectivity
Developed By ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)