In a historic stride towards technological self-reliance, ISRO has launched India’s heaviest-ever communication satellite – Gsat-7R (CMS-03) aboard the powerful LVM3-M5 rocket from Sriharikota. Weighing a mighty 4,410 kg, this mission doesn’t just mark a scientific milestone, it’s a strategic leap for India’s maritime defence and communication capabilities.
Just 16 minutes after liftoff, the LVM3 successfully placed the satellite into its sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, while also achieving a new feat, the successful re-ignition of its cryogenic upper stage.
This experiment could redefine the way India approaches space manoeuvres in the future.
Built to replace its decade-old predecessor Gsat-7 (Rukmini), the new Gsat-7R is tailor-made for the Indian Navy, empowering it with wider, faster, and more secure communication coverage across the entire Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The satellite’s indigenous technology developed at ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre includes cutting-edge payloads that operate across UHF, S-band, C-band, and Ku-band frequencies, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity between ships, submarines, aircraft, and Maritime Operation Centres.
For the Navy, this is more than just a satellite it’s a force multiplier. With high-capacity transponders, advanced propulsion systems, and a 15-year operational lifespan, Gsat-7R is built to support mission-critical communication even in the harshest conditions.
As the Navy proudly stated, the launch is “a reflection of our determination to secure India’s maritime interests through technology and self-reliance.”
ISRO chairman V. Narayanan revealed that the LVM3’s performance was enhanced by 10%, allowing it to carry this record-breaking payload a remarkable engineering achievement accomplished despite challenging weather conditions.
With the successful launch of Gsat-7R, India has not only fortified its Navy but also reaffirmed its space prowess. The skies above now carry a silent sentinel one that will keep watch over the seas, securing India’s blue frontier with every orbit.