The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch India’s heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, on November 2 from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The 4,400 kg satellite, also known as GSAT-7R, will be carried by the LVM3-M5 rocket, the country’s most powerful launch vehicle.
CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite designed to enhance India’s secure communication network. It will provide coverage over the Indian landmass and surrounding oceanic regions, strengthening both military and civilian communications. The satellite includes transponders for voice, data, and video links across C, extended C, and Ku bands.
ISRO said that the LVM3 rocket, which previously launched Chandrayaan-3 to the Moon, has been fully integrated and moved to the launch pad on October 26. The upcoming launch marks the rocket’s fifth operational flight and a major step in India’s advanced space communication program.
The GSAT-7R satellite will succeed GSAT-7 Rukmini, enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach. Meanwhile, ISRO is also preparing to launch the 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6 satellite by year-end, further boosting India’s space capabilities.
