ISRO to launch heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 early next month

ISRO has fully integrated the LVM3 rocket with the CMS-03 satellite and placed it on the launch pad, marking its first mission since the 2023 Chandrayaan-3 lunar south pole success

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of its military communication satellite CMS-03, also known as GSAT-7R, on November 2 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The satellite will be deployed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) aboard the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3), India’s most powerful operational rocket.

According to ISRO, CMS-03 is a multi-band communication satellite designed to enhance India’s secure communication network across the Indian landmass and surrounding oceanic regions. Weighing approximately 4,400 kg, it will be the heaviest communication satellite ever launched from Indian soil. The mission underscores India’s continued focus on strengthening defense and maritime communication systems.

Return of LVM3 after Chandrayaan-3 success

ISRO confirmed that the launch vehicle has been fully integrated with the spacecraft and positioned on the launch pad for final pre-flight checks. This marks the first LVM3 mission in over two years, following the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission in July 2023, which made India the first nation to land near the lunar South Pole.

The upcoming launch signifies another milestone in India’s growing space and defense communication capabilities.