ISRO is set to launch CMS-03, India’s heaviest communication satellite weighing approximately 4,400 kg, aboard the powerful LVM3-M5 rocket on November 2, 2025. The satellite aims to enhance the Indian Navy’s communication capabilities over vast oceanic and land regions, marking a milestone in India’s space technology.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for a landmark mission with the scheduled launch of CMS-03, the country’s heaviest communication satellite, on November 2, 2025, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Known as GSAT-7R, CMS-03 will be carried by ISRO’s most robust launch vehicle, the LVM3-M5 (also called Bahubali), which has proven its mettle in past missions like Chandrayaan-3.
Key Highlights:
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Satellite Specifications: Weighing about 4,400 kg, CMS-03 is designed to provide multi-band communication services (C, extended C, and Ku bands) across the Indian landmass and a broad oceanic area, significantly strengthening naval operations.
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Strategic Importance: This indigenous satellite supports the Indian Navy by enabling secure, real-time voice, data, and video transmission, enhancing maritime domain awareness and command capabilities.
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Launch Vehicle Strength: The LVM3-M5 rocket stands 43.43 meters tall and is capable of lifting heavy payloads to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The mission marks its fifth operational flight.
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Launch Details: The launch is scheduled for 5:26 PM IST. Final integration and pre-launch tests concluded with the rocket transferred to the launch pad on October 26.
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Technological Milestone: CMS-03 surpasses previous records as the heaviest communication satellite launched from India, demonstrating ISRO’s growing prowess in high-capacity satellite deployment.
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Broader Impact: Improvements in satellite-based communication will aid civilian applications including education, telemedicine, and disaster management by boosting connectivity in remote areas.
The CMS-03 mission underscores India’s advancing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to strengthening national security through indigenous innovations.
Sources: ISRO, India Today, The Indian Express, Economic Times, NewsonAir