In News:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched CMS-03 (GSAT-7R), India’s heaviest communication satellite, aboard the LVM3-M5 launch vehicle from Sriharikota. The mission strengthens India’s strategic communication architecture, particularly maritime and defence networks, while reinforcing self-reliance in heavy satellite launch capability.

CMS-03 (GSAT-7R)

• CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, is an advanced multi-band communication satellite designed to enhance secure, high-capacity communication links across land and oceanic regions.
• It replaces the ageing GSAT-7 “Rukmini” and significantly expands India’s maritime communication footprint.
• Developed by: ISRO under the Department of Space, with all stages, subsystems, and payloads built using indigenous technology.
• Key Objectives:

• To provide secure, high-bandwidth communication for defence, especially the Indian Navy.
• To enhance network-centric warfare, fleet coordination, and maritime domain awareness.
• To strengthen India’s digital, strategic, and disaster management communication infrastructure.
• To expand India’s oceanic communication footprint under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• Major Features

• Mass: 4,410 kg — heaviest Indian satellite launched from Indian soil.
• Bands & Payloads: Multi-band communication including C, extended-C, Ku, Ka, and support for UHF & S bands for strategic defence applications.
• High-throughput transponders supporting broadband, satellite internet, and real-time secure data flow.
• Coverage: Entire Indian mainland and wide Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including remote and contested waters.
• Mission Life: ~15 years.
• Role in Naval Operations:
  • Backbone of the Navy’s communication grid.
  • Supports secure voice, video, and data links between warships, submarines, aircraft, and command centres.
  • Enhances situational awareness, joint operations, and maritime security.

LVM3-M5

• The Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3), known as the “Baahubali” of Indian rockets, is ISRO’s most powerful three-stage heavy-lift launcher capable of placing 4-tonne class satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Key Objectives:

• To ensure self-reliance in launching heavy communication and strategic satellites.
• To reduce dependence on foreign launch services.
• To support future deep-space, high-mass, and crewed platforms.

• Key Features
  • Three-stage configuration:
    • Two S200 solid boosters
    • One L110 liquid core stage
    • C25 cryogenic upper stage with an indigenously developed engine

• Capabilities:
  • 4,000 kg to GTO
  • 8,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• Mass & Size: 641 tonnes; 43.5 metres tall.
• Cryogenic re-ignition test conducted for future multi-satellite deployment.
• Developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) with enhanced payload efficiency (~10%).
• Proven reliability in eight consecutive missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and now CMS-03.
• Candidate launcher for future Gaganyaan crewed missions.